Coal vs Gas Forges: Which Produces More Forge Scale?

When it comes to blacksmithing, the forge is one of the most important tools in a blacksmith’s arsenal. The forge scale that forms during the heating process can have a significant impact on the quality of your work. In this tutorial-style post, we’ll explore the differences in forge scale between coal and gas forges.

Coal Forges

Coal forges are an older technology used by traditional blacksmiths. They heat up coal to create a fire that is then used to heat metal. Coal-fired forges produce a lot of smoke and soot, which can result in heavy deposits of forge scale on your workpiece.

The type of coal you use will also affect how much forge scale you get. Bituminous coal tends to produce more soot and ash than anthracite or coke, leading to thicker layers of forge scale.

One thing to note about using coal forges is that they require more maintenance than gas forges. You need to constantly add fuel (coal) to keep them going, adjust airflow with bellows or blowers, and clean out ashes frequently.

Forge Scale from Coal Forging

Forge scale from coal forging typically has a thicker layer compared to gas forging due to the amount of soot produced by burning coal. This thick layer can make it challenging when welding as it requires extra preparation time before welding begins.

On top of this, removing excess forge scale after hammering may take longer since there’s more material present on your workpiece. However, some people believe that having excess forge scale protects against oxidation while they’re working on their piece because it seals off any exposed iron surfaces from oxygen in the air.

Gas Forges

Gas forges are relatively new compared with their coal-fired counterparts but have become increasingly popular over recent years thanks mainly due to ease-of-use; they don’t require constant attention like manually operated bellows do nor do they generate much soot like those in coal forges. Gas-fired forges use propane or natural gas to create a flame that heats up the metal.

Because they burn cleaner, gas forges tend to produce less forge scale than coal-fired forges. The type of fuel used makes a difference in terms of how much forge scale is produced; propane produces less soot and ash than natural gas, resulting in lighter layers of forge scale.

Gas Forging Scale

Forge scale from gas forging has a thinner layer compared with coal forging but can be more challenging when welding due to its smooth surface texture. Removing excess forge scale post-hammering may take lesser time since there’s not as much material present on your workpiece.

In contrast to coal forging, some people find that having too little forge scale on their workpiece during their process may lead to oxidation problems since it exposes iron surfaces to oxygen in the air.

Conclusion

The amount and thickness of forge scale you get will depend on the type of fuel used and the quality of airflow control provided by your equipment. While both types have advantages and disadvantages, it’s essential to remember that each has unique characteristics that make them better suited for specific applications or preferences.

In summary, if you’re looking for an easier-to-use setup without any significant smoke production or soot generation issues, then a gas-powered forge might be your best bet. On the other hand, traditionalists who value authenticity over convenience may prefer using a coal-fired setup despite its higher maintenance requirements and thicker layers of forge-scale deposition caused by burning coal.