Unpopular opinion: I think a basic coal forge beats a modern gas forge for most beginner projects

I ran my shop on a cheap two-burner gas forge for a year, thinking it was the 'right' way to start. Last month, I built a simple brake drum coal forge for under $100. The difference in heat control and the ability to work larger pieces is huge. I can get a better weld heat for Damascus billets and it's easier to isolate heat on a knife tip. The gas forge is cleaner, but the coal setup just feels more direct and forgiving for learning. For those who started with gas, did you ever switch back to solid fuel for specific work?

2 comments

2 Comments

elliotjenkins16d ago

Ever read that old book "The Complete Modern Blacksmith"? The author goes on and on about how coal forges teach you to really see the heat... makes sense now.

kim_martin16d ago

Actually it's "The Complete Modern Blacksmith" by Alexander Weygers. He talks about reading the fire. Great book.