Coal vs propane forges - I was dead wrong about propane

I spent 10 years swearing by coal. Thought propane was for hobbyists who didn't want to get their hands dirty. Then I took a class at Mike's shop in Ohio last month, got to use his Venturi burner setup, and man it ran smooth. No smoke in my face, no clinker cleanup, just steady heat. I still love coal for big scrollwork but I'm building a propane forge this weekend. Anyone else make the switch and find it changed how you work?

2 comments

2 Comments

seanjackson1mo ago

Read a blog post saying propane heats more even. Made me think.

ryantorres1mo ago

Man that Ohio class sounds like it changed everything for you. I had a pretty similar moment about two years back at a hammer-in. Always thought coal was the only real way, you know, like you had to earn it with smoke and sweat. Then a buddy let me try his propane setup for a bit and I felt kind of stupid for being so stubborn about it. The no cleanup part is huge, seriously changes how much you feel like firing up just for small projects. Glad you found what works, its nice when something clicks like that.