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Walked into an old shop last week and saw a coal forge still in use
I started smithing back in 98, and by then most guys had already switched to propane. Last week I visited a buddy in rural Missouri who still runs a side draft coal forge from the 40s. The difference in how the steel moves under the hammer was night and day compared to my gas setup. That coal fire just hits different, gives you a softer, more forgiving heat on the steel. Has anyone else here gone back to coal after years on gas?
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jordan30526d ago
Does the moisture in coal coke actually change how scale forms on the steel compared to a dry gas forge? I've noticed my blades come out with a noticeably different patina when I fire up the old rivet forge, almost like it leaves a smoother surface finish after the quench. It's subtle but it makes a real difference in how fast I can finish the grind.
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