You don’t need much to start as a beginner blacksmith. I remember when I first started, all I had was an old charcoal grill and a few rusty tools. But as I gained more experience and wanted to make more advanced projects, I knew I had to invest in a proper forge.
Throughout the years, I tried out many different forges and learned from trial and error. Now, I want to share what I have learned with you so that you can find the best blacksmithing forge for your needs.
In this blog post, I will walk you through my top recommendations for the best blacksmithing forges for beginners. I’ll also share with you what to consider when choosing a beginner forge so that you can make an informed decision.
So if you’re ready to take the plunge and upgrade your blacksmithing equipment, keep reading!
Best Blacksmithing Forges for Beginners
When it comes to blacksmithing, there are many different types of forges. But for beginners, I recommend the following:
- Simond Store Coal Forge: Best Coal Forge for Beginners
- Cast Master Single Burner: Best Propane Gas Forge for Beginners
- MrVolcano Hero: Best Forge for Beginners on a Budget
I chose the above forges because they are easy to use, budget-friendly, and durable. All of these forges will last you years of blacksmithing practice so that you can move on to more advanced projects.
Here’s a quick overview of each forge:
Simond Store Coal Forge: Best Coal Forge for Beginners
Most blacksmiths can put together a basic coal forge which can also burn wood with only a few tools and materials. However, if you’re still a beginner or just prefer to purchase a ready-made coal forge, I recommend this one by Simond Store.
It has all the features any beginner blacksmith should look for in a coal forge, such as a stand, fire grate, and most importantly a blower.
Even though my DIY charcoal forge didn’t have a blower, I was still able to practice and hone many basic forging techniques. I also made and sold many basic tools, hooks, trinkets, and even small knives using only coal. It lasted me for several months before I decided to upgrade to a propane forge.
Pros of the Simond Store Coal Forge:
- Perfect for beginners
- Built-in blower
- Cheap fuel
- Affordable
Cons of the Simond Store Coal Forge:
- Too small for large projects
- Manual blower (can be upgraded)
Cast Master Single Burner: Best Propane Gas Forge for Beginners
Taking your blacksmithing to the next level involves upgrading to a propane gas forge. Propane forges come in all shapes and sizes, and for beginners, I recommend starting with a single-burner forge.
The Cast Master gas forge has everything you need to get started with propane blacksmithing. I found its oval shape and insulation heated up the steel fairly quickly and evenly. The burner was powerful enough for most beginner blacksmithing projects including small knives.
It came with a fire brick which will come in handy if you don’t have one already. The only downside was that the burner air intake pipe was a bit finicky and had to be adjusted often.
It was also a bit confusing about where the forge was made. The box clearly says “Made in China” however the Amazon listing states US made.
Pros of the Cast Master Single Burner:
- Easy to use
- Good insulation
- Even heat distribution
- High-quality (Made in the USA?)
Cons of the Cast Master Single Burner:
- The air intake pipe needs constant adjusting
MrVolcano Hero: Best Forge for Beginners on a Budget
If you’re just beginning your blacksmithing journey and want a cheap propane forge that comes with everything you need, the MrVolcano Hero is the best choice.
Not only do you get the forge, but you also get a fire brick, insulation, rigidizer, and satanite mortar.
This small forge was able to reach a temperature of around 2500°F, which was hot enough to forge-weld steel, make basic tools, and more. The heat was evenly distributed across the chamber, and the steel was heated evenly.
The only downside is its small size. I really didn’t have any other use for it besides forging small trinkets and keychains.
Pros of the MrVolcano Hero:
- Complete forge kit for less than $100 on Amazon
- Excellent insulation
- High Heat Output (up to 2500°F)
- Made in the USA
Cons of the MrVolcano Hero:
- Too small for larger projects
In conclusion, all three of the forges I mentioned above are great options for beginners. Just remember to consider your budget and what you plan on making with the forge when deciding which one is right for you.
What to Consider When Choosing a Beginner Forge
When looking to buy a blacksmithing forge that’s suitable for beginners, you should consider the following factors:
- Size and Capacity of the Forge
- Fuel Type and Cost
- Insulation and Efficiency
- Overall Quality and Durability
- Ease of Use and Maintenance
Size and Capacity of the Forge
The size and capacity of the forge will depend on what type of projects you plan on making. Most beginner blacksmithing projects are small, so a smaller forge with a single burner should suffice.
However, if you plan on making larger projects, such as knives and swords, then you should consider getting a larger forge with multiple burners.
Fuel Type and Cost
Another factor to consider is the type of fuel your forge will use.
Although coal forges tend to cost less upfront, they require more manual labor and can be dirty. Take into consideration you will need to transport and store coal and use a bellow or blower to stoke the fire.
On the other hand, propane forges provide a cleaner burn, are easier to use, and are more convenient, especially for beginners. However, they tend to be more expensive than coal forges upfront. But their insulation and heat retention can help you save money on fuel costs in the long run.
Insulation and Efficiency
The insulation of your forge matters because it will determine how evenly the steel is heated and how much heat is retained.
A forge with good insulation will be more efficient and will require less fuel to reach higher temperatures.
Overall Quality and Durability
When buying a forge, you want one that’s made of high-quality materials so it can last for years. Look for a forge that’s well insulated, as this will help it retain heat and reduce fuel consumption.
Many manufacturers provide lifetime warranties, so make sure to read the fine print and choose one that’s backed by a good warranty.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
As a beginner, you want to choose a forge that’s easy to use and maintain. Although having all the bells and whistles may seem like a great idea, they will only complicate the process and make it more difficult to use.
Look for a forge that’s simple to use and requires minimal maintenance. This will help you get up and running quickly and avoid spending too much time on setup or repairs. And if it comes with a manual or instructions, read them thoroughly before using the forge.
Conclusion
I hope this article has been helpful in giving you a better understanding of which blacksmithing forge is best for beginners.
Just remember to consider your budget, the size and capacity of the forge, its durability and quality of construction, and its ease of use and maintenance when making your decision.
With the right forge and some practice, you’ll be an expert blacksmith in no time!
