Subject: Gas forge temps

From: "David C. Hufford" <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 16 Jul 1996 09:39:09 -0400 (EDT)

A question about temperatures achieved in propane-fueled forges:  all 
other things being equal, how much hotter does a forced-air forge get 
versus an atmospheric forge?  I realize that gas pressure, orifice size, 
and insulation contribute to the equation, but can someone provide 
typical temperatures reached by these two types of forges?  I believe my 
NC Tool atmospheric forge is suppose to max at about 2350 F; what is the 
typical temperature for a forced-air unit?

D.C. Hufford

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From: "Steven O. Smith" <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 17 Jul 96 11:13:39 MDT

Dear David,

The no-blower gas forges I'm making run between 2000 and 2100F while
in use (door mostly closed). A friend of mine was using his on the
patio when it was windy. He melted a file at the same pressure of
propane that gives 2000-2100F normally. Speculation is that the wind
supercharged his forge (i.e. a blower). You can look on one of the
graphs showing temperature and carbon content (phase diagram?) to
figure the temperature--where does 1% carbon steel melt?

Please note that I'm at 5000 feet elevation. This is likely why my
forge runs 300 degrees cooler than yours.

The other way I have to look at it is warm-up. I can start forging in
the no-blower forge after 15 minutes. My blower tube forge is hot in 8
minutes. 

I think that the best arrangement would be a no-blower forge with a
blower attachment.

--
Steven O. Smith
[email-masked]