umar59•14d ago

Spent $300 on a new propane forge and it's a total game changer

My old coal forge was fine, but I got tired of the constant mess and uneven heat. This new one hits welding temp in under five minutes and holds it steady. What's the best way you've found to set up a propane forge for making Damascus billets?

3 comments

3 Comments

davis.adam14d ago

I saw a video from Black Bear Forge where he runs his propane forge with a slightly rich flame to prevent scaling when welding. For Damascus billets, I keep my forge around 2300 degrees and use a stainless steel foil wrap for the initial weld. It's a pain to fold the packet but it keeps the billet clean. A good flux is key too, I've had the best luck with anhydrous borax. Let that first weld soak for a good ten minutes before you pull it out to hammer.

reese_nelson14d ago

How much flux do you go through on a typical billet?

sanchez.pat11d ago

Ten minutes to soak? I guess if you have all day to stare at a forge. I just get it hot and hit it. Flux? I use enough to keep it from sticking, not enough to build a glass castle.