[TheForge] propane vs coal in current energy market

[PlumDon at aol.com]

I think, on a cost vs cost basis, it is very difficult to compare propane  
and coal. The only valid comparison might be btu's vs btu's. Relatively  easily 
done as Darrell has noted. But there is so much more to the comparison. 
 
I can walk into my shop, turn on the gas, light it and be forging in less  
than five minutes. Neat twenty for the coal forge. On the other hand, there is  
so much heat escaping from the propane forge in between time at the anvil or  
power hammer that there is great waste, no doubt. Then again, the coal forge  
takes a lot of constant futzing around with it, the propane takes virtually  
none. There are a bunch of other pluses and minuses for each. 
 
In the end, the convenience of the propane over coal far outweighs any  
(arguable) cost advantage. My current schedule is to forge with the propane for  
two-three days and then do a a day at the coal forge...mainly for forge welding. 
 
Because there is about 150' from my driveway to shop and the propoane  
delivery guys hoses are only 125' (when new and before cut offs), I keep three  100 
pound tanks. When two are empty, I load them in the truck and take them down  
to be refilled. About $38.00 at this time.
 
There would have to be a huge, HUGE advantage to going back to coal before  I 
would give up the propane. Though I much prefer working over a coal forge,  
the quick start up, lack of constant attention and general convenience of  the 
propane forge far outweighs using the coal forge, costs be  damned.  
 
In my opinion, spending any significant time trying to evaluate cost  
comparisons between the two on btu's is a waste of time. Compare instead, the  
advantages and disadvantages...especially the actual forging time available to  you 
from one vs the other. Make the cost comparison not on btu's and price per  
gallon/pound, etc. but on the availability of the unit for forging. 
 
Some late evening thoughts
 
Don  Plummer
Plummer Design Works
392 Hallman Mill Road
Phoenixville, PA  19460
610-495-5058