SoCal Dave Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 I saw a used Mankel three burner forge yesterday that was for sale. $750.00 I know nothing about Mankel forges. It was open on three sides with a small blower. Having only started in blacksmithing one year ago, I am looking for a good propane forge, but wonder if it is more forge than I need and a three burner will surely suck up the propane. I'm sure it will get metal hot fast. Any info on mankel forges would help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Evers Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Dave, I would credit Ken Mankle with making the modern propane forges a reality. I have a Mankle Horseshoers special+4 that is over 30 years old and still used regularly (of course thats much like owning an ax that belonged to Abe Lincoln - it's had two new heads and eight new handles -- my forge has been converted from blower to atmospheric and has many new linings - the outer covering is still original, the valves are original). I believe Ken is retired now, but his forges are still being sold by Will Lent Horseshoeing Supplies. That said, the one you're looking at is overpriced. Will Lent lists it new at $865 and a two burner knifemakers special at $685. Just Google on Mankle forges or Will Lent Horseshoeing. For that matter Ken probably would be happy to talk to you 616-874-6955. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCal Dave Posted May 5, 2009 Author Share Posted May 5, 2009 Jack: Thanks for the info. What was the reason for the conversion of you forge to atmospheric? And thanks for the phone number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Evers Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 I'm a farrier and I couldn't keep the vents adjusted traveling rough roads. Atmospheric just worked better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rthibeau Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 I have a Mankle 3 burner air blown forge I bought on EBay for $250....it was hardly ever used and came with a real nice cart. It definitely is a big gas forge so if you're not going to be heating up large pieces, it's a bit overkill. They are real nice forges though I wouldn't pay over $500 for a used one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
double_edge2 Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 i love the style of forge and with a mod or two i will be making that type of forge,,,,,,mine may not look any where near as nice im sure, but the idea is great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragons lair Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 I forged with the 3 burner mankels running on methane at school. I personaly feel the diamondback artist forge is better for a non school setting. I picked mine up at diamondback. Dennis is a great guy with a great forge. Will be stoping to say HI soon. Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 Not knowing what you plan to be forging makes it hard to say if this would be a good forge for you. Like me asking if this sports car would be a good one to get without telling you if I need a dump truck, a 5 child carrier, or just something to blow off steam on weekends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
double_edge2 Posted August 29, 2009 Share Posted August 29, 2009 mankel design.. i like that i can stick a piece of plate, or a corner of a gate or adj a large scroll or reduce the cavity to heat up a billet or long and thin or whatever....two bits of steel in a narrow gassy kept me on the hammer flat out. i hate work but it can keep workers busy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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