PA Forges?

[Tom Kitta]

The forge looks like it was made in a garage. Price is a joke - outrageous. But I guess some people are willing to spend that kind of money on a cheap regulator from China available at Home Dept, on some 12ga box and fire bricks. The burners themselves are probably the most expensive item through the type (no blower) is easily made at home.

You can spend 1/3 (or less) and get one off eBay. See https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=forge&_sacat=0

For about $1000 CAD plus I expect blower based forge which uses burners that burn 1/3 as much propane & other goodies.

 

[Crosche]

The venturi style burners are okay, but they tend to be very loud and I have not had any luck forge welding with them. Additionally, oxidization can be problematic because there is a fine line between running too rich or too lean vs desired forging temperature.
My new burner is a ribbon style burner with a blower which should be much quieter and consume less propane.

It should be possible to build a propane bottle forge for about $250 all in and perhaps a bit less if building more than one at a time.

 

[Tom O]

The venturi style burners are okay, but they tend to be very loud and I have not had any luck forge welding with them. Additionally, oxidization can be problematic because there is a fine line between running too rich or too lean vs desired forging temperature.
My new burner is a ribbon style burner with a blower which should be much quieter and consume less propane.

It should be possible to build a propane bottle forge for about $250 all in and perhaps a bit less if building more than one at a time.

What did they use for refractory I have 50 lbs of fire clay from when I built my casting furnace and some kaowool that can be pulled for mixing in.

 

[Crosche]

What did they use for refractory I have 50 lbs of fire clay from when I built my casting furnace and some kaowool that can be pulled for mixing in.

I used Claycast from Clayburn Industries and made the burners myself.

 

[Johnwa]

Its cheaper to build your own but I think that half the cost of commercial forges like the one at PA is to cover liability insurance premiums.

@Crosche have you checked out the Venturi burner designs by Mike Porter?

 

[Crosche]

Its cheaper to build your own but I think that half the cost of commercial forges like the one at PA is to cover liability insurance premiums.

@Crosche have you checked out the Venturi burner designs by Mike Porter?

Yes, I purchased his book and it's what I base my forge body design on. My venturi burners work fine, but don't seem to cut it for forge welding.

 

[Tom O]

I watched one getting built last night it’s a few episodes long.