Hayden H Posted November 24, 2011 Posted November 24, 2011 I'm looking to buy a propane forge to get around the burn-ban fire restrictions. Whats a good brand? I like the Diamondback Ironworks forge, its also reasonably priced. I'll being doing knife and spur making as well as any other odd thing I want to forge on. So, what'd be a good brand, and at a reasonable cost? Quote
Harley Posted November 24, 2011 Posted November 24, 2011 IMHO the best brand is one you make yourself. Quote
westerwald Posted November 24, 2011 Posted November 24, 2011 Will you be using flux for forge welding? Quote
John McPherson Posted November 24, 2011 Posted November 24, 2011 So, do you want to dink around with building it for a few hours/days/weeks, or put it to work immediately? If you have work to do and the forge is just a means to an end, then take look at the range of commercial units from a reputable farrier supply. They even have customer service folks that you can talk to. Quote
Hayden H Posted November 24, 2011 Author Posted November 24, 2011 I dont' want to toil with building one at the moment. I may do some forge welding, I like the Mankel and Diamonback forges, but it just depends on what $ I have available. The Mankels expandable indefinetly, but the Diamondbacks easier to refit Quote
postleg Posted November 24, 2011 Posted November 24, 2011 I use a diamondback iron works 3 burner forge. I have used it for about 3 years and have had good results. I have had to reline it but that is a easy thing just $80 bucks for a complete reline kit. It heat fast and gets hotter then i need. My case top is starting to warp but I plan on putting 1/4 plate top on it when I reline it next time Quote
Hayden H Posted November 24, 2011 Author Posted November 24, 2011 I have yet to see the price of a MAnkel, but I'm leaning ever more to a Diamondback standard forge, or the metalworker model Quote
Naz Posted November 24, 2011 Posted November 24, 2011 Here's an earlier post about Diamondback propane forges : Quote
Jerry W. Posted November 25, 2011 Posted November 25, 2011 I have seen the Chile. Know several smiths that have one. Have not heard any complaints. They are made in Wimberle, Tx. Quote
Iron Striker Posted December 5, 2011 Posted December 5, 2011 I bought a Diamondback Two Burner last summer but didn't fire it up but once because it was way to hot here in Central Texas! I have since ran about a half of a bottle through it. I am completely new at this but it has done all I need it to do. I played around with forge welding some 1/2" cable and it worked well. No complaints so far. Jamie Quote
K. Bryan Morgan Posted December 5, 2011 Posted December 5, 2011 I own a Diamondback two burner Blacksmith Model. I am very very happy with it. It gets the job done and I can get welding heat at 10 psi. I have only welded once with it though. It is very simple to set up. I have used it in very cold temps and it holds up very well. I have yet to need a relining kit and I've been using it over two years. Personally I couldn't be happier. It gets the job done. I would recomend getting one. Quote
ToolSteel Posted November 17, 2012 Posted November 17, 2012 I bought a two-burner Diamondback two years ago and it's never failed me. This morning, I took off the shell, slathered the inside with new Sairset and replaced the thin firebrick floor. I figure it's good for another two years or more. Only thing is I go through a LOT of propane. I haven't installed the idler control that came with the forge. I'm sure it would cut down on my fuel. Quote
Daniel.85 Posted November 17, 2012 Posted November 17, 2012 The products and the people at Chili Forge are all top notch. I have a 2-burner model from them, gets hot! Quote
cheftjcook Posted November 17, 2012 Posted November 17, 2012 I run an NC Whisper Daddy 3 burner and have enjoyed completly. Have had no problems for all the years I have been using it. They sell quite a few variations of the NC Whisper Forges all seem to be very well built an easy to use. Tim Quote
Artbytrevor Posted December 17, 2012 Posted December 17, 2012 I have a Mankel gas forge now and ive found its more for the knife makers im needing something bigger like the ones jesse james uses could someone give me some names of some bigger forge makers are thanks Quote
Judson Yaggy Posted December 18, 2012 Posted December 18, 2012 I ran a NC Tool 3 burner for almost 15 years. The new Chili 2 burner beats the pants off it. If I wanted a pay and play forge Chili would be the way to go. Odd size or custom shape you gotta build your own. Quote
RKM556 Posted December 21, 2012 Posted December 21, 2012 I second the Whisper Daddy. I have had mine for a few months using it nearly every day and it is a beast. Quote
Shaunmiller Posted December 26, 2012 Posted December 26, 2012 The products and the people at Chili Forge are all top notch. I have a 2-burner model from them, gets hot! Hi there. Just starting to get into knife making myself. I want to buy the burners from Chile forges, but build the forge myself, due to the fact I live in Thailand and shipping is equal to the cost of the forge, I was looking at building 2 burner model myself, due the burners actually screw into the body of the forge. Thanks for your help. Shaun Quote
Grundsau Posted December 27, 2012 Posted December 27, 2012 Even though this is an old thread, someone else may benefit from this info. Contact Jay Hayes. His info is at this link: http://www.habairon.org/Sept03/HABA-Hayes_Forge_List.pdf Quote
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