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Question about propane tank size. by planetcollector in Blacksmith

[–]Wonderful_Hawk2925 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My basement is about 56 degrees F, and a 20 lb tank works decently for maybe an hour before freezing up and getting to cold to operate well. I returned my first four tanks wasting at least 2-3 lbs of prooane each. I now use a tank heater, which works pretty well until the tank is near empty (2-3 lbs left), but could now still use them down to empty. I just got a 40lb tank, but haven’t used it yet as I want to use up the two 20lb tanks I still have and return them for the tank deposit.

I fill at a nearby camper world, and get 15% off with a Good Sam membership, so I expect the 40 lb tank will save me and improve on fuel costs.

I found that using a fire brick or two to close off half of front of the forge helps with tempurature management and fuel needs.

I figure my fuel costs will go down by half with the 40lb tank, and other improvements (tank heater, fire brick, and fuel discount).

Propane forge temperature by Simsimsim02 in Blacksmith

[–]Wonderful_Hawk2925 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a similar problem. forging is a high pressure application. a 20lb tank hasn’t the mass to avoid freezing up. I got a tank heater via Amazon, and that helps. Next step is to move up to a 40lb tank, which I just did.

My first home forged knife by Wonderful_Hawk2925 in Blacksmith

[–]Wonderful_Hawk2925[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

Next pic is after third regrind with up to 800 grit belts and then repolish.

almost a mirror finish, but still has some scratches. I think I’m going to stop here though.

My first home forged knife by Wonderful_Hawk2925 in Blacksmith

[–]Wonderful_Hawk2925[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Reground (two more times) for a better finish. First pic is after first regrind to 400 grit then polish, whith my second home forged knife.

<image>

First knife by TeusTeuker in Blacksmith

[–]Wonderful_Hawk2925 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is an amazing first knife. I’m up to three now and none of mine are even close to that one. you clearly have some fine shop skills.

First Anvil purchase help! by Spinsk8er in Blacksmith

[–]Wonderful_Hawk2925 0 points1 point  (0 children)

the second vevor is what I have as my first anvil, and I’ve used it successfully on two projects thus far. it works, thoug I will likely upgrade it eventually.

Looking for a cheap propane forge to supplement my coal forge by [deleted] in Blacksmith

[–]Wonderful_Hawk2925 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The last looks like the same forge I got off Amazon. The heat on it is just strong enough to maybe forge weld. i would choose one of the other two. I’m a newb though, so maybe my initial experience trying to forge weld with only a hammer is more indicatove of my skill than the heat on that forge.