When you know how to choose the right gas forge, you can truly take your blacksmithing to the next level. Failure to do so will result in a waste of time and money. This is why we’ve compiled a list of suggestions to help you find the best gas forge for your needs.
All of the goods are labeled with their different advantages and disadvantages to make it easier to compare them. So, before you make that buying decision, check over each of the alternatives to better understand why a specific forge may or may not be right for you.
Top Picks : 5 Best Gas Forge
Things To Consider Before Buying Gas Forge For Knife Making
If your chosen forge performs in all of these areas, you won’t have to worry about anything else. If they don’t, we recommend giving it some more thinking. Before you choose from our gas forge reviews, here’s everything you need to know.
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Size and Shape
Choose your size based on the scope of your work. If you’re a frequent user, you’ll want a machine that can handle your metal supplies. The majority of forges are cylindrical or cubical in shape (with a few exceptions). But keep in mind that just because a gas forge is little doesn’t imply it’s ineffective.
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Burner
What kind of metal are you working with? A single burner will not sufficient if it has a high burning point. In such cases, a double burner forge with enough strength to efficiently break down your material is required. However, keep in mind that increasing the number of burners will also increase the cost.
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Build Quality
A good forge should be able to efficiently retain heat within itself during operation. This is only possible in ones that have a decent overall deal built into them. If a product’s design complements its performance, it has a better probability of meeting users’ needs.
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Value for Cost
Look for forges that give good value for money if you’re on a restricted budget. To receive satisfactory results from your forge, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. All you have to do now is ensure that your forge excels in the areas where you require it. So keep that in mind and double-check before you buy.
- Controls
Any machine with a complex set of controls will appear scary as well as unwelcoming. As a result, how easy or difficult it is to control will have a significant impact on your overall experience with the product. If you don’t have much experience with welding, the finest gas forge for welding is one that is simple to use.
- Thermal Efficiency and Power
The thermal power of your forge is determined by the highest in-chamber temperature rise. A powerful one may heat things in a matter of seconds. As a result, they are the most popular commercial options. If you want quick results and efficiency, seek for forges with a large heat capacity.
Top 10 Best Gas Forge For Knife Making
This section focuses on providing more information about individual products so that you know exactly what you’re getting. Please feel free to use our gas forge reviews as a guide for future purchases as well.
1. Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Forge Double Burner
Here’s how you can sum up this gas forge’s performance – Quick, powerful, and effective. This double burner machine has a great within the chamber, allowing it to heat up faster than most other forges on the market.
Another great feature of this forge is that it can be used for both small and large tasks. As a result, regardless of their size, all types of projects have a high output rate. Everything, from the insulation to the power control, is one-of-a-kind in terms of design and functionality. To put it another way, what looks good, works even better.
Because the knife makers believe in user-opinion based improvements, it is a favorite of many blacksmiths all over the world. Not to mention that it has the potential to be the best gas forge for both welding experts and beginners.
Pros:
- Easy and precise controls
- Satisfactory overall insulation
- Solid build quality
- Extremely lightweight compared to other options
- Fast and efficient heating mechanism
Cons:
- Moderately fuel-hungry
2. USA Castmaster Elite Double Burner Propane Forge
As forge users, we are familiar with the complicated forge assemblies and the fact that they can take hours to complete. Castmaster has successfully solved this problem with its one-of-a-kind design approach with this machine.
People who don’t want to spend a lot of time assembling and maintaining their tools should always choose the Castmaster forge. It is not only simple to assemble, but also simple to use. Is that it? No, the rig excels in terms of aesthetics, with a pearlescent finish all over the exterior.
The forge maintains a tight fit on the base metal for added support and a smoother experience for users. However, if you find yourself struggling with the operation, don’t worry because the instructions are quite simple.
Pros:
- Offers good value for money
- Sturdy base support for heavy work
- Easy to understand instruction manual
- Extremely simple assembly
- Comes with all necessary amenities
Cons:
- Some pieces may show signs of heat loss
3. Hell’s Forge MAX Propane Double Burner Forge
The best type of gas burner for a forge is one with low heat loss. There are almost none with this forge. Because of its thick walls, which contribute to insulation. In other words, this forge raises heating efficiency to a whole new level. Because of this, it is the pinnacle of dependability.
One of the most important selling points of this product is that the dual burners can reach temperatures of over 2200 degrees Fahrenheit in a very short period of time. This will allow you to speed up the forging process, saving you a lot of time and effort.
So, if you don’t mind not having to sift through a lot of options, you can confidently choose this option. However, if you are extremely sensitive to heat traps, you should look into the next product on our list.
Pros:
- Safe and simple to use
- Storage management is superior to that of other forges.
- Input from an efficient burner for rapid heating
- Appropriate for both small and medium-sized tasks.
- There is no evidence of significant heat loss from the burner or the chamber-end.
Cons:
- Heat traps may be exacerbated by an angular body structure.
4. Simond Portable Propane Forge Single Burner
This forge can be described succinctly as ‘portable and durable.’ It is, in fact, one of the best, if not the best, small gas forges for welding on the market. Simond used SS-304 metal sheets for the construction. As a result, even when operating at its maximum capacity of 2600 F, the forge maintains its strength.
The product also includes a suitable fiber blanket and a firebrick for use. All of this fits perfectly within the confines of the chamber. It’s a small and lightweight device in terms of size.
But don’t let that fool you into thinking this one isn’t worth your time. If you’re looking for a small and convenient vehicle that you can just throw in the trunk and go, this should be your top choice.
Pros:
- Weighs only 16 pounds
- Comes with eight different hosing accessories for assembly
- Economical and fuel-efficient
- Provides a clean in-chamber work environment
- Appropriate for intermediate and hobbyist forgers
Cons:
- Not suitable for forging 20” blades
5. Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Forge Single Burner
Hell’s Forge is well-known for producing high-quality products, including the best gas burner for forge welding. They’ve been able to maintain their reputation with this portable one as well. After all, who doesn’t appreciate portability and performance?
Not only that, but the forge is also visually appealing, with a matte glazed finish. And, in terms of heating routine, this product never disappoints. However, you must exercise extreme caution when handling the hose junctions, as rough handling can damage them.
Don’t be concerned if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on forges. This forge uses little fuel, so you won’t have to spend much money on it. In the long run, it’s the most cost-effective option.
Pros:
- Doesn’t consume too much fuel
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Looks and performs better than all other single burner portable forges
- Easy to install
- Appropriate for beginners
Cons:
- Sensitive nose junctions
6. Simond Portable Gas Forge Double Burner
The majority of portable gas forges on the market are single burners. Do you think it’s a coincidence? No. Because of the single hose attachment design, manufacturers can produce smaller gas forges for knife making.
Single burners, unfortunately, do not heat as well as double burners. This is precisely why Simond decided to address the issue with this product. The chamber also has an inch of insulation layering to improve heat trapping. Better insulation, of course, means faster heating times.
If you remove the doors, the machine has a ‘both side open structure.’ You can also choose how many burners to use at the same time. So, if you’re concerned about getting your hands on the wrong forge, this is the best option.
Pros:
- Comes with an additional ceramic blanket
- Long refractor life
- Extremely sturdy overall build quality
- Great insulation despite having a thin external (0.15 inch)
- Burners are easy to dial in
Cons:
- Lack of maintenance causes air-flow to malfunction
7. Simond Single Burner Propane Forge
If you forge as a hobby, the majority of your projects will most likely be on a smaller scale. As long as you’re not aiming for the stars, this propane metal forge will easily meet your needs. However, if you are involved in commercial forging and require a bulk heated in minutes, this product is not for you.
Everything is stainless steel, including the gas inlet pipe and choke valve. This multiplies the core’s strength by a factor of ten. Again, the refractory brick does not move around the chamber, giving users more stability.
Another advantage of the product is its portability and light weight. So, if you’re new to the market and want the best gas forge for making, this is the forge for you.
Pros:
- Gas pressure regulator comes with an accurate manometer
- Requires a slight assembly only
- Takes only 8-12 minutes to heat up before use
- Entirely made out of sturdy materials to withstand pressure
- Perfect dimension for forging
Cons:
- Doesn’t work if the fuel is fed from a bottle and not a
8. Simond Portable Single Burner Forge One Side Brick Oval
Aside from its oval shape and single-way entrance, this forge has no distinguishing features. However, when compared to other single burner forges on the market, it performs admirably.
Are you looking for a gas-fired forge with low heat loss? Then this product will not let you down. The chamber has a refractory coating of HELLCOTE 3000 to allow heat to ricochet. This effectively contributes to the chamber’s insulation.
Simond has once again ensured durability by ensuring proper rigidity of propane channels. The hose and burner tube, in particular. As a result, you’ll have plenty of room to experiment with your metal stock. It’s also reasonably priced!
Pros:
- Affordable price range
- Comes with all necessary forging amenities
- Doesn’t require complex assembly
- No extensive maintenance required
- Strong build quality
Cons:
- Constantly requires a well-flowing ventilation
9. Simond Blacksmithing Forge Single Burner Round
The round blacksmithing forge, also known as ‘Smithy’s forge’ in the forging community, is next on our list. Since its initial release, the product has been a huge success. Because the hosing can only hold a single burner, the heating is slower than in Hell’s Forge.
Within the chamber of this forge, there is only an inch of layering (refractory). As a result, some customers mistake it for being weak. That is not the case, as Simond has repeatedly demonstrated with their SS-304 grade polished steel.
They also provide excellent value for the money spent. So, if you’re hesitant to spend too much money on your first forge, this is your chance to get started.
Pros:
- Unique and extraordinary design
- Shows satisfactory results very quickly
- Stops the loss of applied heat
- Long-lasting life-span
- Insulation is better than other Simond forges
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than other single burner forges
10. Simond Portable Single Burner Forge One Side Brick Rectangle
Simond has released yet another portable forge that delivers on its promises. This one-sided forge is compact and lightweight. As a result, this thing is incredibly simple to use.
Do you need your forge on the go or at the warehouse? Simply strap it to your trunk and hit the road. This rig can keep its cool no matter how bumpy the road is as long as it’s secured to the truck bed. Remember that this is an important factor in enhancing its portability.
In addition, you will receive a high-pressure regulator connector. This device will allow you to adjust the PSI from 0 to 21 to suit your needs. As a result, the machine’s overall convenience factor is satisfactory and, frankly, sufficient to warrant purchase.
Pros:
- Very fuel-efficient
- Belongs to a moderate price range
- Offers good value for the money
- Perfect for smaller projects
- Light and handy for vehicle-carry
Cons:
- Slightly less efficient than other one-sided forges
How to Make a Gas Forge for Blacksmithing
This was my second propane forge, and it is still the one I use. I learned a lot while building this forge, and I hope you will learn a lot as well if you follow these instructions to build your own homemade propane tank forge.
I recommend using an old, empty tank. Choose a tank with the older-style valve, which resembles a five-pointed star or cowboy spurs if you have a choice. The majority of refill and exchange stations will charge a premium to exchange these older tanks. A newer overfill protection device (OPD) valve will be triangular and can be exchanged or refilled normally.
Step 1: Remove the Propane Valve from the Tank.
Using tie-down straps, secure your propane tank to a telephone or power line pole. The straps should be made as tight as possible, with as little movement as possible.
Unscrew the propane valve from the tank with a monkey wrench or a 1.5-inch-diameter metal pipe. The 1.5-inch pipe should fit over the propane orifice normally attached to a grill. Because propane tanks are built to last, unscrewing the valve will be difficult, so a larger wrench or pipe will provide more leverage.
Step 2: Add Water to the Tank
Once the valve is removed, all propane tanks, even “empty” ones, should be purged with water. This clears out any remaining propane, which is obviously flammable. For a while, the escaping propane will smell bad and attract flies. I filled my donor tank with water using a hose. While filling, the escaping propane may cause the water to splash around a little.
Note: Despite the fact that the guard is shown removed in the picture, I recommend removing the valve first, then filling with water to displace the propane. Use the angle grinder on the tank only after the propane has been removed and dissipated. The flies will have flown away as a sign that the propane has dissipated.
Step 3: Take out the Valve Guard and the Metal Ring.
After the tank has been purged and the water has been emptied, remove the valve guard on top and the metal ring on the bottom of the tank. This was done with an angle grinder. It was very simple and quick to cut the welds.
As previously stated, make certain that all propane has been expelled from the tank before using an angle grinder or any other type of cutting device on the propane tank.
Step 4: Get Rid of the Paint and Rust
I used my angle grinder with a flap disk to carefully remove all of the paint and rust from the forge. I also cleaned up the weld used when the tank was first constructed.
You can remove the paint and rust with an angle grinder and a flap disk, as I did, or with block sand, a power sander, or any other method. The existing paint is probably not suitable for high-temperature applications, and the forge will look much better with a fresh coat of black paint on a smooth surface.
Step 5: Make a trace of your planned cuts.
The size of your opening is an important consideration when designing your forge. The smaller the opening, the better your forge’s heat retention. However, a small opening can make retrieving pieces difficult and prevent you from having more “irons in the fire.”
The opening I created in this build turned out to be far too large for my needs. I’ll make a much smaller opening in my next build.
Consider adding an opening to the forge’s back end so you can heat middle sections of metal by feeding through the other side. This opening can be much smaller than the forward facing opening, perhaps 3 x 3 inches, or whatever size stock you anticipate using in this relatively small forge. Again, the one I made in this build is far too large for my requirements. The openings in my next forge will be much smaller.
By drilling holes in a paint stick, I was able to draw these guidelines. Assure that your forge does not move, causing these lines to become misaligned. You will drill holes that will allow you to draw a horizontal line with the required dimensions. I’d suggest about 1″ above and below the center. Rep on the other side, but with a smaller opening. To complete the outline for cutting, draw vertical lines. While the large arched opening I created in this build looks nice, it allows far too much heat to escape.
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Final Words
The best gas forge is not the one with the highest heating capacity or the one that heats up in minutes. Rather, it is the one with the best balance of these two characteristics.
If you’re looking for a powerful forge, the Hell’s Forge MAX is the way to go. USA Castmaster, on the other hand, provides the best value for money. If you need a small portable forge on the go, choose Hell’s Forge Portable Forge over anything else on our list. Good luck forging!