I thought a cheap forge from Harbor Freight was a good starter deal, but it cost me more in the end.

I grabbed their $200 propane forge last year thinking I'd save cash while learning. The burner was impossible to tune for a consistent heat, and the lining crumbled after about 40 hours of use. I ended up spending another $350 on a proper Devil Forge to replace it. Anyone have a good budget forge brand that actually holds up?

3 comments

3 Comments

elliot_allen652mo ago

Check your local blacksmithing club's used gear first.

ward.julia2mo ago

Ugh, so true, saves a ton of cash.

tessa8681mo agoMost Upvoted

Yeah, the "lining crumbled" part is a common complaint I've seen in a few hobbyist forums. People say the refractory cement in those cheap kits just can't handle repeated heating and cooling cycles. It turns to powder.