Switching from a coal forge to propane took me a while to decide on

I ran a coal forge out of my garage in Ohio for nearly 15 years, but last spring I finally made the switch to a propane setup after a buddy showed me his. The old forge was messy and I was tired of dealing with clinkers and smoke complaints from the neighbors. Went with a Diamondback 2-burner for around $900, and honestly the temp control is way easier now. Anyone else make that jump and miss the coal smell?

2 comments

2 Comments

shanel138d ago

Just use a lot less fuel with propane though, you gotta keep an eye on those tank levels when it gets cold outside. The temp control is way better like you said, no more fighting with the air gate every five minutes. I can't say I miss the coal smell, my clothes used to stink for days after a long session.

valsullivan8d ago

My buddy @shanel13 hit the nail on the head about the cold weather thing. I remember the first winter I ran propane, woke up to a half-empty tank and a forge that wouldn't light. Felt like an idiot standing there with a hair dryer trying to warm up the regulator. Sure beats smelling like a coal miner's sock drawer after every session though. I'll take a little tank watching over scrubbing soot out of my jeans any day.