DonaldWithman

Thanks for all the posts guys. I am thinking I will be going with a smaller model to start off with. If you have anything else to add that might help someone later, please do!

I had not really touched on the topic of forge welding with my mentor, and don't plan on getting into that for a while. What I meant by general blacksmithing was more of small to medium size projects, such as shepherd's hooks, crude tools, decorative pieces and knives at some point. I would like something effecient, but large enough to accomodate bigger things as I improve my skills. Thanks for the response ThomasPowers.

Interesting. Did you build your own burner or buy one? I had seen plans to make your own, but wondered about how well they produce heat.

I am getting back into blacksmithing as a serious hobby. I mentored under a blacksmith for my senior project in high school, but it has been a while and my knowledge is a bit rusty. As far as forges go, I have decided on a gas forge, but am still deciding between the 2 burner Diamondback Blacksmith model, the NC Whisper Momma or Whisper Deluxe. Does anyone have experience with these models, or have other recommendations? I plan on just general blacksmithing at this point, but would like something versatile for future projects. Thanks.