5
I switched from a gas forge to a coal forge last fall and the control you get with coal is just on another level for making leaf springs into knives.
I was using a propane forge for about four years down in Austin and it was fine for basic stuff like hooks and fire pokers, but the moment I tried to heat treat a 1095 leaf spring for a buddy's hunting knife the gas forge just couldn't hold a steady temp zone, whereas with coal I can stack it hot in one spot and keep the other end cool as I go, has anyone else made the switch and noticed the same thing about even heat?
2 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In2 Comments
thea2465d ago
Gotta agree with @the_robert even if his burger comparison is gonna make me hungry mid forge session lmao. I tried making a camp knife from an old file last year with my propane setup and ended up with a blade that was soft in the middle and brittle on the edge because the heat zone was all over the place. Switched to coal this spring and its night and day, like you said I can keep a hot spot right where I need it and leave the handle end cold enough to hold bare handed. The learning curve was real though, first time I fired up the coal forge I got it way too smoky and my neighbor thought my shed was burning down. Now I just laugh it off and keep a bag of marshmallows handy for the inevitable "oh no not again" moments while I dial in the airflow.
6