8:59 pm
NWBA Member
December 13, 2017
Hi folks,
who wants to discuss the pros and cons of propane versus coal? I learned using coal and I like the quietness of it and ability to control the heat but I don't like the smoke. What little propane I have used has hurt my ears, given me a sunburn and a lot of other burns from scale flying off the metal. Does anyone still use coal?
9:14 pm
NWBA Member
July 23, 2016
I started off with coal but the smoke and clinker were objectionable to me too. My forge was also too deep, not allowing me to heap the coal above the fire pot. Last year I built a V- trough forge similar to the Whitlox and burning charcoal. I like the charcoal much better but not so much the forge style. I'm planning to make a wash tub side blast forge for charcoal and maybe occasionally coal. The only propane forges I've used are those at the mentoring center. They're OK but I like solid fuel as a hobbyist. Maybe if I was a professional I'd think differently. I like the way I can control where I heat my metal, rather than covering more than I can work in one heat
7:54 pm
NWBA Member
December 27, 2014
That's one way of looking at it, 4elements.
I myself have two forges, one for propane and one for coal.
The coal forge I like to use for forge welding, as I know for certain it will get to forge welding temperatures. It is also useful for heating up certain sections, something that is difficult without a heating torch. Changing things up is also fun.
My propane forge is probably more used, since I can heat up long sections pretty evenly, and it is very easy to start up. It's loud, yeah, but ear protection ought to be always worn in the shop anyway, in my opinion. I like propane.
Do you have a chimney for your forge? Smoke used to be a problem for me with my coal too until I made a hood and flue for it. Interestingly, it sort of sucks the smoke out without needing an extraction fan. Might be something to look into if you continue using coal. As for clinkers, I actually enjoy taking them out of the fire. . . sort of therapeutic.
Another option would be buying coal coke. It doesn't smoke so badly, and there are far less clinkers. The downside to this is it has a tendency to go out if an electric blower isn't used to keep a constant airflow.
My Youtube channel: Cave of Skarzs
Just having some fun messing around with whatever I have a mind to do.
11:38 pm
NWBA Member
July 23, 2016
10:34 am
NWBA Member
November 14, 2010
I don't have a picture, but David Thompson solved the coal smoke problem on his coal forges by adding a pipe inside the flue that is counter weighted to be neutral weight, and hangs on cables and pulleys. It has a large S.S. salad bowl on the lower end and a couple grab handles. When new coal is put into the fire you just pull it down close (inches above fire) and it literally sucks the smoke horizontally into the flue. Nothing escapes. Then as you need more room, and the new coal is coked well you raise it just enough to work. A hood several feet above the fire never gets the smoke well, and the smoke is too cool by the time some gets there to create a draw. This inner adjustable pipe gets down close, gets the gases while hot and creates a real draw. Best setup I've ever seen.
7:18 pm
NWBA Member
July 23, 2016
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