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Stop romanticizing coal forges, they're more trouble than they're worth

I see so many beginners getting pushed towards coal forges because of tradition. But from my experience, the constant ash cleanup and uneven heat ruined more projects than I can count. Last month, I switched to a simple propane forge, and suddenly I was finishing pieces in half the time. For instance, a simple knife that took me days with coal was done in an afternoon with gas. Yes, coal has its place in historical reenactments, but for real blacksmithing, gas is just better. Am I wrong to think we should stop recommending coal to new smiths?
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4 Comments
max_cooper21
My buddy's propane forge saved his sanity.
7
drew_patel
drew_patel1mo ago
Totally agree, coal is a hassle nobody needs. Spent more time messing with the fire than actually forging anything. Gas just works so you can get straight to the work.
3
jana672
jana6721mo ago
Coal really does make you a fire tender first... it's frustrating when you want to forge. Gas removes that barrier completely. Finally, you can focus on the metalwork.
1
adam919
adam9191mo ago
Come on, is it really that serious?
2