Travis Fry
Well-Known Member
I am considering one of these as a general forging forge with the thought that it would be more efficient for every day use. If I did this I'd still want to build a larger welding forge eventually (I have used and very much like Ed Caffrey's design), but I see this as having the potential to be both a low cost entry to forging that would meet 90% of my needs AND be a more efficient money saver even after I build something larger.
According to the maker, the new burner gets hot enough to weld, thought the 2"x10" chamber limits this to only small stuff (cable damascus and very small billets, welding on bolsters for integrals, maybe some san mai,etc.). They've also made a lot of improvements at the suggestions of users (e.g., an angled torch entry for a better vortex and minimal hotspots), and it's portable. I heat treat with a kiln, so that's not an issue.
So, for a general use forge, does anyone see any drawbacks? Any thoughts on this plan?
According to the maker, the new burner gets hot enough to weld, thought the 2"x10" chamber limits this to only small stuff (cable damascus and very small billets, welding on bolsters for integrals, maybe some san mai,etc.). They've also made a lot of improvements at the suggestions of users (e.g., an angled torch entry for a better vortex and minimal hotspots), and it's portable. I heat treat with a kiln, so that's not an issue.
So, for a general use forge, does anyone see any drawbacks? Any thoughts on this plan?