Mrhinchey

Thanks again for advice everyone!

I decided not to go with soldering furnace. I'm not really in a huge hurry so I guess I'll keep my options open. Forges pop up occasionally on Craigslist here in Denver but the Johnson was the first gas fuel forge that I'd seen and since burning solid fuel in my backyard is not ideal, I thought I might jump at it.

I recently completed my first knife, so I am definitely still a newbie. I've got a decent little workshop set up but a forge and a proper belt grinder are still high on the wish list.

I'll look into some classes and perhaps take another stab at building a forge. My last attempt was a rather pathetic MAP gas job that (sort of) worked but ain't nothing to write home about. 

I really appreciate the info and advice. I hope I'll be able to contribute more than just newb questions to the forum soon. 

Mark 

It would be for hardening. Is there a better option at $100 or would I need to spend a little more?

Thanks for the responses! I'd want to use it for heat treating knives. I'm working with 1095 right now. The seller says it is lined with with refractory on the bottom and kao wool on top. It has 3 burners and attaches to a regular bbq size propane tank. 

Anyone ever hear of Johnson Gas Appliance Company? I'm looking at buying one of these old forges off CL for $100. It is model 108. Similar to the models in this link. Is it a hunk of junk or a good find? Thanks for any info!

http://www.johnsongas.com/industrial/frn-solder.asp