Building a Propane Forge
Introduction to the Propane Forge Build
In this post, I am going to walk through the highlights on how I went about building my propane forge. Why did I build one? Why not? This tool allows me more freedom to work with metal in my making adventures. So far it has been useful in helping me make a machete out of a lawnmower blade and I see tool making in the near future.
Now, this post is a quick walk-through of how I went about it. For details on burner assembly and forge design, I bought a book on Amazon that helped me tremendously and I highly recommend it — Gas Burners for Forges, Furnaces, and Kilns by Michael Porter.
As always, be safe. Only you are responsible for your actions, not me, or anyone else.
Due to the surge in popularity of this forge build post, I have improved its ease of reading by breaking this long post into multiple that covers each section. With the breaking up of this large post, you can get to the information you want quicker. Or at least that was the idea. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and contact me.
Tools and Materials
For convenience, I have also copied the tools and materials lists from each forge build section below.
Part I List:
1/4″ Brass Rod (for Gas Accelerator Assembly) This is solid if you have a lathe and want to drill and tap your own injector tube which is what I did later.
Threaded brass pipe for Gas Accelerator – This is an alternative to the brass rod if you don’t have a lathe available or just want an easier option.
Mig Tips for Gas Accelerator – The business end that injects the gas into the burner tube.
Bernzomatic TS8000 Mapp Gas Torch – I use this to ignite the burners as well as many other handy uses throughout the shop.
Flux Core Welder – Flux core welders are one of the cheapest ways to get into welding. Note, this is not the one I have but this should do the trick for this job.
JET Lathe – This is a newer version of my lathe that I typically use for woodworking but this also helped out with this project in drilling perfectly centered holes in round stock.
Nova G3 4 Jaw Lathe Chuck – This is the chuck I used on my lathe. Make sure to get the properly sized thread adapter (sold separately) for it to fit your lathe.
Benchtop Vise – This is slightly different than mine but you can’t really beat it for the price and surely comes in handy.
Tap and Die Set – Different than what I have but should be plenty for this project. Its a trusted brand and the price is right.
(Book) Gas Burners for Forges, Furnaces, and Kilns – This book was invaluable to me through this process.
Part II List:
Flux Core Welder – Flux core welders are one of the cheapest ways to get into welding. Note, this is not the one I have but this should do the trick for this job.
Benchtop Vise – This is slightly different than mine but you can’t really beat it for the price and surely comes in handy.
Tap and Die Set – Different than what I have but should be plenty for this project. Its a trusted brand and the price is right.
DeWalt Angle Grinder – I used this extensively on this project as well as many others.
Flap Disk for Angle Grinder – Great for powering through the poor welding jobs of mine to make it look nice and clean.
Angle Grinder Corner-Edging Flap Disc – Same as the above but excels in the corners like where the mount collars meet the body.
Angle Grinder Cut-off Wheels – I used this to cut open the main openings on the front and back.
Angle Grinder Wire-Wheel – This removed the old finish on the body in the tight places
Paint Stripper for Angle Grinder – This removes a bulk of the old finish in a hurry without really damaging the steel below.
Gas Valves – These ball valves are slightly cheaper than the big box store and have worked well.
Pressure Gauge – 0-60 PSI Pressure gauge so you know how much pressure is moving through the system.
0-30 PSI Propane Regulator – This thing works very well and allows for fine adjustment.
(Book) Gas Burners for Forges, Furnaces, and Kilns – This book was invaluable to me through this process.
Part III List:
Bernzomatic TS8000 Mapp Gas Torch – I use this to ignite the burners as well as many other handy uses throughout the shop.
High Temp Black Spray Paint – This paint has held up very well and easy to apply.
High Temp Primer – A must before applying the actual paint if you want the paint to last.
Refractory Cement – Used to coat the insulation.
Ceramic Fiber Insulation – A 2″ layer is needed, so make sure you get enough!
(Book) Gas Burners for Forges, Furnaces, and Kilns – This book was invaluable to me through this process.