Had my doubts about using a propane forge instead of coal for the first 3 months

I was sure coal was the only way to get good heat control until I borrowed a buddy's propane setup for a weekend and got consistent results on 4 knives in a row. Has anyone else switched fuel types and found one way easier than they thought?

3 comments

3 Comments

stella_murray18d ago

You mentioned "ten minutes" for preheating and I think that's honestly something a lot of people skip. They just fire it up and go right in. But that initial thermal soak changes everything. I run mine for a good 15 minutes now with the door cracked to burn off any moisture before I even think about steel. Makes the temp gauge actually mean something.

ben_nguyen18d ago

Wait, you're saying people actually skip the preheat? That's CRAZY to me. I've always done at least 10 minutes, but 15 with the door cracked is a solid move I might have to steal.

thea_mitchell2018d ago

Propane definitely gives you more consistent temps once you dial in the regulator and burner placement. Took me about two weeks to stop fighting with it and start trusting the gauge. Preheating your forge for a full 10 minutes before sticking steel in makes a huge difference too.

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