Hello from Chicago! I've read, but never written in the forums here and I'd really like your experienced opinions:  I've been hobby forging for about 3 years, and running my very 1st gas forge, a 2 burner Mr. Volcano,  the whole time. I've had no issues except that it limits the shape/size of my projects, and forge-welding has been slow. I'm thinking about "upgrading" to a Diamondback Blacksmith 2 burner forge that has a side door, as well as open ports on the ends. or one of the farrier forges like the Whisper Momma in similar configuration. A coal forge would eliminate both of the issues, but I live in the city and can't use one. 

Now, the side door should allow me to continue the odd-shaped work much more easily, but will I get any observable difference in performance? Is "upgrading" to a more expensive forge a true upgrade in performance or simply a different - possibly better configuration? 

Thoughts from the experienced and wise?

 

Welcome aboard Saint glad to have you. This very topic made for a pretty good discussion some time ago. I don't have experience with any but a friend's Whisper Momma so the best I can do for you is suggest you check out. Forges 101 subsection of Iforgeiron forum. https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/47439-forges-101/

There are a lot of posts you probably don't want to sift through so I suggest you skim the thread subject lines, then the post subject lines. This will help you filter down to what you're looking for. Of course someone reading today might have THE thread bookmarked and will post the link. 

Frosty The Lucky.

Thank you much, Frosty! I missed that thread when I looked ( I guess my wife is right - I don't look too good)!

YOu're welcome, it's my pleasure. Ah, the way threads drift its easy to miss what you really want. Glenn used to suggest a snack, beverage, comfy chair and spend a few days reading. Unfortunately by time you find what you need you've forgotten what you were looking for.

Of course the Mrs. is right, just ask her and her girlfriends.

Frosty The Lucky.

On 6/29/2025 at 11:41 AM, Saint said:

but will I get any observable difference in performance? Is "upgrading" to a more expensive forge a true upgrade in performance or simply a different - possibly better configuration?

No. You will get an upgrade in structural quality, and a downgrade in performance. I suggest Diamondback forges to newbies, because they are well put together, reasonably efficient, and cost effective. However, the forge you already have has one of the best burner designs available. If you stick the two Mister Volcano burners in the Diamondback forge, then you will have an upgrade in performance.

And did I mention not to let anything happen to those two irreplaceable burners?