The day my forge went out right before a big order was due

So last Tuesday, I was in the middle of finishing a set of six custom fireplace tools for a client in Portland. I had the poker and the shovel done, and was working on the tongs when my propane forge just... died. No sputter, no warning, just cold. I spent the next three hours trying to figure it out, checking the regulator, the hose, everything. Turns out the solenoid valve on my Hell's Forge unit had finally given up after two years of steady use. I had to call three different welding supply shops before I found one that had a replacement in stock, and it cost me $85. The whole day was shot, and I had to work until 2 AM to get back on schedule. Has anyone else had a critical tool fail right in the middle of a time-sensitive project? What's your backup plan?

2 comments

2 Comments

thomas.cameron8d agoTop Commenter

Ever feel like your tools wait for the worst possible moment to break?

gray_roberts8d ago

Used to think it was just bad luck. Then my drill gave out right before a big deadline. Now I'm sure they can smell stress.