[TheForge] Burner "flares"? - coal vs propane

[Steve Bloom]

At 09:47 PM 4/26/2002 -0700, Andy wrote:
>So, What does this translate into in terms of fuel consumption?

At normal forging temps, the gas consumption on a dual burner,
venturi unit (without flares but with peheat capabilities) was a 20lb
bottle of gas for about 8 hours - ~$1/hr.  Coal in Florida is $10-$14
per 100 lb and 40 lbs in a day when seemed typical when I was
primarily cooking over coal. -so say $0.50/hr -- but I can get a
lot more work done with the gas forge.  I consider the cost a
wash - coal is great for precise heat and spot welding, gas is great
for multiple pieces and large unit welds (damascus billets) - so
there is a reasonable rationale to have both.

Steve

Steve Bloom, IronFlower Forge. Archer, FL
     Webmaster for the FABA web site:
	www.blacksmithing.org