beef56 Posted November 12, 2018 Share Posted November 12, 2018 I am considering buying a Chili Habernero forge. It seems I would be paying a substantial premium over a NC Forge. Are they that much better quality? I have read that the Chili is more fuel efficient which, if true, could offset that initial cost over time. Also does anyone have any experience regarding re-lining the Chili forge? This may have need discussed in an earlier thread but I don't have much success searching this forum. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted November 12, 2018 Share Posted November 12, 2018 Better quality? that depends on what you mean by the term; most well known commercial forges are well enough built; that doesn't mean they are equally up to date in design. Hotter burner designs make hotter forges. Chile forge has a better burner design. It's my design; in stead of patenting it, I wrote a book about it. Anyone who asked to use it in a commercial product I encouraged to do so without any need for license. Chile forge chose to take advantage of the offer. I don't feel sorry for those who didn't bother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beef56 Posted November 13, 2018 Author Share Posted November 13, 2018 Thanks Mike for designing the burner. It sounds like Chili used yours and it is a success. I could build a forge and burners but don't want to take the time. I only have a few hours one day a week to work on it. My wife says I would spend $500 on supplies and it still wouldn't work, she may be correct! I am leaning towards the Chili in spite of it's cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted November 14, 2018 Share Posted November 14, 2018 They didn't stop innovating with their choice of burner; they have also kept up to the minute in forge designs. Are there better forge designs out there? Yes there are, but not in a full size forge; only in miniature forges. If Chile made a miniature forge, I would expect them to blow away the competition there too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beef56 Posted November 14, 2018 Author Share Posted November 14, 2018 Well, I ordered the Habernero forge today. Sounds like a great product once you get over the sticker shock! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stash Posted November 14, 2018 Share Posted November 14, 2018 Susan Hutchinson used a Habanero for her demos at the ABANA conference this past summer. Seems she uses one in her home shop, and asked Chile to send one for her use. What a nice forge! She welded without missing a beat. The boss of Chile came the last day and sold the forge for a nice discount. If I were in the market for one, that would be my choice. I don't think you will regret the decision. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beef56 Posted November 15, 2018 Author Share Posted November 15, 2018 I don't think I will regret the purchase. The most common complaint about the Chili is the price, not the quality. I could have built one or bought one much cheaper but would they perform? I can almost bet my first burner and forge build would be less than stellar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted November 15, 2018 Share Posted November 15, 2018 I think the most common desire of people who buy forges is the desire for a sure bet. Unfortunately that comes at a high cost. On the other hand, what is your time worth? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobS Posted November 15, 2018 Share Posted November 15, 2018 It's nice to see a company with integrity. I see they give you credit for the burner design and mention your books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted November 15, 2018 Share Posted November 15, 2018 That mattered to me a few years back; not now. What matters now is that they keep on putting out a good product. Hybridburner.com puts out a good burner in a variety of sizes, while Chile Forge ended up with only one burner size. The difference in burner design would be trumped by the available sizes--if they also marketed forges ;unfortunately, they don't--if they did I would be recommending their product. When it comes to tools, things are what they are, and "practical" is the winner. I don't care about who's product edges out the other, or who I don't like. Just beeping my facts straight is a full time job; there ain't no time left for stroking my druthers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Idk Posted November 26, 2018 Share Posted November 26, 2018 To help confirm, the site Mike is referring to is Remove commercial link per TOS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beef56 Posted January 13, 2019 Author Share Posted January 13, 2019 I received my Chili forge. It was packed well and nothing to set up, just hook up a bottle. It is easy to operate even for a dumbie like me. Great product! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 Please take an action photo or two, and your impression of how the forge is to live with. We encourage everyone to talk about their commercial forges; satisfied or not. Only other purchasers can tell people what they need to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learninandlovinit Posted April 27, 2020 Share Posted April 27, 2020 On 11/12/2018 at 9:26 AM, Mikey98118 said: Better quality? that depends on what you mean by the term; most well known commercial forges are well enough built; that doesn't mean they are equally up to date in design. Hotter burner designs make hotter forges. Chile forge has a better burner design. It's my design; in stead of patenting it, I wrote a book about it. Anyone who asked to use it in a commercial product I encouraged to do so without any need for license. Chile forge chose to take advantage of the offer. I don't feel sorry for those who didn't bother. What's the name of your book? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey98118 Posted April 27, 2020 Share Posted April 27, 2020 Gas Burners for Forges, Furnaces, & Kilns, but it is no longer printed. Used copies are pricey, but can be put right back on the market for all you pay for them, The book is available in some libraries, and of course, pirated copies are available on the Net. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max1775 Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 Remove commercial link per TOS. Just to update the link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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