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I finally gave in and tried a coal forge after years on propane
I always said propane was cleaner and easier to control, but a friend in Boise let me use his old coal set up for a weekend. The heat was just different, way better for moving real thick stock. I made a set of tongs in about half the time it usually takes me. Anyone else switch fuels and get a surprise like that?
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avery_flores177mo ago
Propane still wins for me every time. That coal heat might feel hotter, but it's a mess and takes forever to get going. I can dial in a precise temperature with my gas forge in minutes, no smoke or ash to deal with. The extra time cleaning up after coal would cancel out any speed gain for me.
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robin5916mo ago
Ever think coal was just for old timers? I did too until I had to forge weld some big chain links. The propane just danced on the surface, but the coal heat sunk right in and got the job done. It's a different kind of hot for sure.
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abbynelson7mo ago
What kind of thick stock were you working with that made the difference so clear? I've heard coal gives a more "soaking" heat but never tried it myself.
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the_lee7mo ago
No kidding, right? I was the same way, swore by my gas forge for small projects. Then I had to fix a busted tractor clevis, real heavy bar stock. My propane just wouldn't get the core hot enough, it was like trying to bend a glow stick. Borrowed a coal rig and that deep, mean heat went straight through it. I felt like I could move steel with my mind.
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