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?

4 comments

4 Comments

avery_flores171mo 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.

robin5912d 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.

abbynelson1mo 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.

the_lee1mo 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.