The glow of molten copper, silver, gold and steel is truly a breathtaking sight. Whether your forging a knife blade in your backyard or creating a delicate trinket, a good propane forge is one of the most critical items to get the task done right. While you can try you hand at a DIY forge, if you just want to get up and running, purchasing one is much quicker, easier and safer.
If your goal is to make trinkets out of precious metals, the Cast Masters Propane Furnace is the most popular and well designed choice. It’s specifically engineered for melting precious metals and recycling jewelry scraps. Instead, if you’re looking to forge a blade, the Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Double Burner Large Capacity Knife and Tool Making Farrier Forge is what you want. It’ll have enough room for small and big blades alike and is 100% made in the USA.
Best Propane Forge for Jewelry – Cast Masters Propane Furnace
- EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF SMELTING: Home smelting has come a long way, and with Cast Master’s full line of furnaces and smelting products, you can reliably and safely explore this fantastic hobby.
- WE HELP YOU TURN THOSE OLD ALUMINUM CANS INTO $ Recycling is at a crossroads, with communities becoming reluctant to provide the service, and citizens confused about what can & can’t go into the...
When it comes to crafting stunning trinkets and impressive pieces of jewelry, nothing works better than the Cast Masters Propane Furnace. This unit’s 80,000 BTU propane burner is able to heat metal up to a scorching 2700°F. For reference it can melt a piece of gold in less than 15 minutes. When you factor in the large 5kg capacity, mineral wool insulation and tons of included extras, it’s easy to see why this is our favorite choice.
On top of this, it is extremely safe (as forges go) and is perfect for beginners and advanced metal-smiths alike. The heavy-duty steel exterior is extremely durable and won’t fail when you need it most. Plus the refractory cement forge floor has incredible heat retention and will last for many, many years to come. Just make sure to use it outside in a well ventilated area to play it safe!
Best Propane Forge for Knives – Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Double Burner Large Capacity Knife and Tool Making Farrier Forge
- Double forge burner furnace with 2300+F capability and perfect for larger projects
- Large (19" x 6.75 x 3.5") oval design allows for maximum workspace and ideal exposure to the flame's "sweet spot"
If a master medieval metal-smith ever had a wish, it’d be to have a Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Double Burner at his disposal. This unit has double burners which put out a whopping 180,000 BTUs of heat. Users have noted it is able to heat up significantly faster than nearly any other forge on the market. Plus, it’s large enough for both smaller and bigger jobs. This makes it a perfect beginners forge and yet, still great for a master metal worker.
You’ll find the 1” thick ceramic blanket provides excellent heat conservation. Plus, the burners are fully adjustable so you can get the perfect pressure, temperature and air flow rates for your next blade. If you want something that’ll last a lifetime and improve the quality of your work, this is an easy choice.
Propane Forge Buyers Guide
A gas forge, or forge burners as they are sometimes called, are primarily used to heat treat metal, forge blades, trinkets and other small metal objects. They need to have massive heat outputs, be incredibly well insulated and large enough to get the job done. You’ll find they come in tons of shapes and sizes. Some are dedicated for jewelry, while others are marketed at blade-smiths and general blacksmithing.
Whatever your preference, we’ve tried to answer a few of the more common questions concerning propane forges below. This will give you a better idea of what to expect when you buy one and how to choose the correct model for your project.
How big of a gas forge do I need?
This is probably the most important question you’ll ever need to ask about a propane forge. The answer is, of course, it depends. If you’re only planning to melt some spare jewelry and don’t intend to forge any knives a small crucible style unit will work best.
If instead, you’re planning to forge some straight pocket knives or a smaller 6” blade, a single burner propane forge between 7” and 9” is ideal. Once you start moving up to big blades and swords or other longer objects, you’ll need something with a lot more space. Ideally 40” to 50” for maximum usability.
You’ll want to decide upfront what the largest object you’ll want to create will be. This can be a tough choice and, in our opinion it’s better to spend a few more dollars now, than spend a few hundred more dollars later.
How much propane does a forge use?
If you’re operating in the typical 15-20psi range and using propane gas, you can expect 4-7 hours of run time from a standard 20 pound propane tank (like the one on a grill). If you can operate at a lower pressure, and still get good results, this runtime can drastically increase.
However, as you move up into 2, 3, 4 or even 5 burner propane forges that time gets divided accordingly. Most users who opt for multi burner forgers use larger 100 pound propane tanks to help reduce their downtime.
How hot does a propane forge get?
Most propane gas forges operate between 2,300°F and 2,700°F. The materials in the forges, mainly the refractory cement is typically rated for 3,000°F for a bit of wiggle room. However, with a bit of adjustments and the right airflow, it can be possibly to reach higher temperatures if necessary.
Casting vs. smithing with a gas forge
Gas forges are designed specifically for either casting in a crucible cup or smithing with an open space for metal. The process of casting is used to pour molten metal into a mold to get a near final shape. Smithing on the other hand, transforms a bar of metal via physical interaction such as hammering into a different shape. While they all use heat to soften or melt metal, you’ll need to get a forge that is suited for your particular interest.
DIY Propane Forges
Making your own DIY propane forge can be fun and exciting. However it can also be a futile, unsafe effort that leaves you with a burnt forge and a hundred dollars of lost material. As such, if this is your first foray into metal smithing, we’d recommend you purchase a pre-built gas forge.
If you do want to consider building your own, there are a ton of great videos showing you how it’s done. Each one teaches a different way as well so you’ll have to choose which is the most applicable to your situation. If you want something cheap and effective that doesn’t require any welding, the below option might be your best bet.
Best Propane Forge Detailed Reviews
So you’ve got your first project all planned out and all you need to do is order the materials and get your forge up and running. In order to speed up the process, we’ve vetted a few of the best forges on the market so you’ll be able to choose the ideal one for you. Each of our selections is for a different purpose, whether that’s making swords, short knives or jewelery, they are purpose driven. As such, make sure you take the time to at least glance at the first paragraph of each propane forge review to see it’s general overview. Now, to the forges!
#1 Cast Masters Propane Furnace
- EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF SMELTING: Home smelting has come a long way, and with Cast Master’s full line of furnaces and smelting products, you can reliably and safely explore this fantastic hobby.
- WE HELP YOU TURN THOSE OLD ALUMINUM CANS INTO $ Recycling is at a crossroads, with communities becoming reluctant to provide the service, and citizens confused about what can & can’t go into the...
The Cast Masters Propane Furnace is a great propane forge for hobbyists and enthusiasts alike. This is a crucible unit and is used to melt copper, aluminum, brass and more. If you’re into making metal bars or casting jewelry, it would make for an excellent choice.
You’ll find the robust crucible is able to withstand a scorching 2,700°F and can melt copper or cans in a flash. While it won’t quite get hot enough to melt steel, for a backyard hobbyist, this isn’t much of a concern. We like that this unit is simple, safe and effective. Plus, it’s had a massive price reduction recently and is a top notch performer at a budget price point.
Unlike a DIY Propane Forge, the Cast Masters Propane Furnace has got everything you need to get forging, right out of the box. You’ll find it ships with a clay graphite crucible that’s designed to hold up to 5kg of material. The unit is wrapped in ceramic wool insulation to keep the heat from escaping. This superior insulation is great for allowing the gas forge to quickly heat up.
During testing, users found that it took right around 20-30 minutes to melt 5kg of copper. If instead you like to work with aluminium cans, they will melt in about 11 minutes. Keep in mind, that this propane forge can only get to 2,700°F so it won’t be able to melt steel. In a pinch you can pump the heat up to 2,800°F but only for a short time. Any longer and you risk damaging the unit.
This is the first actual furnace I have ever purchased, and I have to say that it has exceeded expectations to an astounding degree. Within an hour of first setting it up, I was casting aluminum with minimal effort.
User Review
As with most gas crucible forges, this one can really go through propane quick. A standard 20 pound propane tank will last between 5 and 7 hours. When first starting out, we recommend you set the regulator to 0.2 for optimal results. Because the propane gets extremely cold as it flows into the burner, the tank will eventually freeze up. As this happens, the flow of propane will slow. A quick adjustment of the burner valve is required to keep things up and running. If you’re interested, this is due to the Joule Thompson effect.
If you’re a beginner we recommend you pick up a backup crucible. Over time these can crack, get dropped or fail due to excessive heat. It’s a great idea to have a second one so you can finish up a project. We were also pleased to not that no extra insulation of heat treatment is required for it. The crucible and unit are both extremely robust, built to last and very well insulated.
Related Link: Pick up a spare crucible for this specific gas forge
When you consider the extra items included in the kit, like the tongs and propane hook up kit, the Cast Masters Propane Furnace is simply a stunning choice. 100% American made, and with a ton of features, it’s perfect for nearly any backyard metal-smith. While it won’t quite work for swords or knives, it’s great in nearly any other situation. This is the #1 Best Propane Forge on the market and has absolutely earned that title.
#2 Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Double Burner
- Double forge burner furnace with 2300+F capability and perfect for larger projects
- Large (19" x 6.75 x 3.5") oval design allows for maximum workspace and ideal exposure to the flame's "sweet spot"
When it comes to forging small or medium blades, the Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Double Burner is a diabolical good choice. With dual high powered burners pumping out a wicked hot 180,000 BTUs of heat, it’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into Hell. However, the included fire bricks, top of the line refractory cement and long propane hose will help keep everything safe and efficient.
We love the longer 19” design as it allows for all sorts of projects. Some of the smaller propane forges aren’t quite up to the task. Often times if you’re working with a tool not quite right for the job, it quickly becomes unsafe. If you want a beast of a dual burner gas forge, this is clearly the one to get.
Okay, so let’s start this Hell’s Forge Propane Double Burner review out by talking about the incredibly powerful flames. With two 90,000 BTU burners, this unit has a total of 180,000 BTU’s of available heat. Due to these incredible burners, this unit is able to heat up in only 5 minutes. This is significantly faster than competing forges. Once up to temperature, it can reach a stunning 2,300°F. This is an excellent temperature ceiling for nearly any at-home project. The refractory is rated up to 3000°F for a large safety factor. After all, not getting hurt should be your first priority.
Another thing to note about the Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Double Burner is how serious they take their quality control. A lot of other propane forges will ship ready to go, and be damaged during transit. This unit plays it extra safe and ships the refractory in powder form to avoid that damage. Once you get the unit, you’ll need to mix the powder with water and apply it like latex paint to the outside. It’s not difficult and will prevent a ton of issues in the future.
Related Link: Don’t forget to grab an outdoor icemaker for ice cold drinks while your forging your next blade
A couple of the cool features of this gas forge are the oval shaped design and the vertical firing system. The oval design allows for larger projects. You’ll have more room to move your workpiece around and won’t risk scuffing up the edges. Meanwhile, the dual vertical burners will provide even heat over the entire metal surface. This will make it easier to work with and decrease the heating time.
The 48” proapne hose and ⅜” flare adaptor were also great additions that really help to complete the package. The hose is long enough to get your tank away from heat and into the safety zone. The unit itself is coated in 1” of high density ceramic fiber blanket insulation for further heat conservation. You’ll also find the Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Double Burner included two full sized fire bricks for the bottom of your forge. Each add-on really helps decrease the amount of work and extra purchases you need to make.
Overall, this is one of the best gas forges around, specifically if you want to forge metal blades. It’s compact, easy to use and very powerful. While it might not be perfect for jewellery or swords, if you are working within its limits, you can’t go wrong.
#3 Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Forge Single Burner Knife and Tool Making Farrier Forge
- Single forge burner furnace with 2300+F capacity- perfect for smaller projects
- Includes container of HELLCOAT 3000 Refractory Coating (to be applied by buyer)
If you’re looking to save a little money, but still want big time performance and a 100% American made product, the Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Forge Single Burner Forge is the way to go. While it’s not as big as the double burner option in our #2 spot above, it’s incredibly well designed, very powerful and well suited for small scale blades.
You’ll find it has an included fire brick and refectory powder so you can apply it just the way you like it. That unique oval shape common on all Hell’s Forges helps to get your metal in the perfect flame zone. When you factor in the 1” thick ultra high quality ceramic fiber blanket and the propane hose with regulator, this is pretty much perfect straight out of the box.
One of the great advantages smaller, single burner gas forges have over their multi-burner cousins is enhanced fuel efficiency. You can expect to get around 10 hours of runtime off a single propane tank. That is of course assuming you’re operating at 20 psi. If you can work at a lower pressure, that runtime can be increased significantly.
Another thing we like about this design is the open back. This allows you to work on longer objects, such as swords, by heating only a portion of them at a time. Many competing units are closed in and, as such, you can’t work on bigger pieces no matter how you stick them in.
Very simple to assemble and use, excellent heat distribution, good quick heat. Went through a 25lb propane tank in about 10 hours from completely full. Plenty of burner for forge-welding, knife making and simple blacksmithing projects.
With an impressive 90,000 BTU burner, this propane forge is capable of seriously pumping out the heat. During user tests, it was able to heat up a railroad spike to a workable temperature within 15 minutes. If you want even better performance, an upgraded regulator can take your forge to the next level. We also recommend you grab a few extra fire bricks as they can crack over time and it sucks to want to work, but your forge is down.
Related Link: Grab a set of firebricks so you’ve always got spares handy.
You can really tell this brand stands behind their products. The refectory is shipped in a powder form so as not to get damaged. If it is pre-applied, this brittle coating is likely to crack off during shipping and reduce your forge’s performance and reduce the overall safety of the unit. Check out the YouTube video below for instructions on how to assemble the forge and get it up and running.
Some folks also mentioned that it might be a good idea to build a stand for the Single Burner Hell’s Forge. It is rather small, so working with it can put some strain on you back. An elevated working area will help make it more ergonomic to work with and make your forging experience more pleasurable.
If you often work outdoors or travel to fairs and festivals, this makes a superbe option. It is extremely lightweight (as forges go) and is very portable. It can be disassembled in minutes and only takes up a small amount of space. Never again will you need to go to camp or the fair unprepared.
Overall, the Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Forge Single Burner Knife and Tool Making Farrier Forge is an incredible entry level gas forge that is built to last. It gets hot enough to work any metal and is easy to pack up and move out of the way. With 100% American made quality and a company that truly stands behind their product, it easily ranks as one of the best Propane Forges on the market.
#4 Portable Propane Triple Burner Knife and Tool Making Farrier Forge
- Triple burner propane forge with 2600 degree capacity and Large heating zone lined by 1" thick high density ceramic fiber blanket
- Made by 16 Gauge (1.5mm) Polished Stainless Steel grade SS-304 Metal Sheets
Three solid 304 stainless steel burners make the Simond Store Portable Propane Triple Burner Forge truly a sight to behold. When it starts belching out flames and you’re hammering out a new sword, you’ll feel like a dwarven blacksmith straight out of middle earth. This gas forge has got a minimalist, no nonsense design. With a clean build, easy to maintenance parts and a super long interior, it’s purpose built for metal forging.
Plus, of all the propane forges we’ve reviewed, it’s got the most extras that are included with the kit. From hoses, air chokes, fire bricks and more it has a ton of stuff to make your forging experience amazing. The 16 gauge solid 304 stainless steel sheets which make up the exterior of the unit are also extremely durable and won’t rust, even if left outdoors. If you want a sleek, efficient and down to earth gas forge, this is the one to get.
Three burners?! Yes, you read that right, this thing is truly a god amongst propane forges. While it isn’t too popular, mainly due to being an off brand, it is definitely worthy and should be much more prevalent in the forging world. Each burner can put out around 90,000 BTU’s of heat for a solar flare like experience. While they may be ultra hot, they are fairly quiet. You won’t need hearing protection while heating up metal.
We found the stainless steel construction of this unit to be superior to many competing forges, It uses heavy duty fittings that are clearly up to the task. Plus, two of the burners are independently controlled for a more refined flame profile. The third is directly connected for sheer power.
You’ll find that inside there is a 1” thick high density ceramic fiber blanket. This fiber works great at conserving heat and helps to quickly heat up metal. It also does a great job at protecting the other components from overheating while in use. The white coloring, as is typical with these units, showcases the high quality fibers and just how dense they are.
Related Link: Want to forge on your back patio? Grab a patio sunroom kit to stay cool.
On the inside base of the Simond Store Portable Propane Triple Burner Forge, you’ll find multiple fire bricks. These help to draw in and store heat for a more fuel efficient burn. You’ll find these are consumables and after a few dozen uses, they will most likely crack or become damaged. Don’t be concerned however as this is totally normal. Unless you have NASA level material, we suggest you just grab a few extra and call it a day.
This propane forge is also designed to be open at both ends. This lets you heat up extra long objects with ease. It also helps to promote airflow and drastically reduces the cooldown time. However, don’t think that because it’s open you’ll not be able to reach astronomical temperatures. This gas forge maxes out at 2,600°F, which is more than hot enough for any hobbyist needs. In fact, you can even forge weld at this temperature if you are so inclined.
Overall, this is a great mid-range forge and is well worth the money. It’s big, well designed and built to last. While it may not be associated with a name brand, or be made in the USA, don’t count it out. Folks will pay twice and much for similar performance. All we ask is why? Buy this and find out.
#5 Portable Propane Five Burner Knife and Tool Making Farrier Forge
- Five Burner Propane Forge Furnace with 2600 degree capacity
- Made by 16 Gauge (1.5mm) Polished Stainless Steel grade SS-304 Metal Sheets
At over 50” long, this is the best forge for swords on the market. Once you unbox this beauty, you’ll understand just how big it is. However, don’t think because it’s extra large the quality has been compromised in any way. This has the same 1” thick insulation of its smaller cousin in our #4 spot and uses the same 304 stainless steel burners. What sets this apart from every other gas forge on our list is it has a whopping five of them! This lets you get even heat over the entire length of your blade and helps to reduce excess heating.
You’ll find the entire unit it constructed from 1.5mm thick polished stainless steel. Not only does it give this large propane forge a great look. It also prevents rust buildup and is very resilient to heat damage. The extra long propane hose allows you to connect it to a larger tank quite far away as well. This keeps the tank safe and allows you to work without anything tripping up your feet. In general, it is a very solid design that works great and is fairly affordable for what you get
Stainless steel is one of the most resilient, long lasting and durable materials around. As such, we are extremely impressed that nearly this entire forge is made from it. From the burners, to the housing, 1.4mm thick steel sheets are the mainstay of this unit. This will keep it working great for many years to come and will enhance the overall visual appeal of your forge. After all, nobody likes a dirty, dingy work area.
One of the common questions that get asked over and over again is, can this unit forge weld? The answer is yes it can! The five main burners can heat up metal to a scorching 2,600°F. At that temperature you can easily forge weld steel and other high quality materials. You’ll also be able to use it as a crucible if you get the right container and melt any sort of precious metal for jewelry making.
When it comes to working with swords and other longer items, having no back door in the unit is a great feature. This lets your slip your entire workpiece under the flames for a nice and even heat profile. No longer will you need to worry about uneven heating and the associated warping. Your blades will come out straight and true.
Users were also very glad to see that the Portable Propane Five Burner Knife and Tool Making Farrier Forge comes with nearly every accessory under the sun. From fire bricks down to the teflon tape needed for the gas connections. If you’re worried about having the right items on hand to get up and running, worry no longer.
We were also pleased to see the standard 1” thick refractory lining. This is what helps the forge maintain it’s high temperature and prevents heat escape. You’ll also find the 1” thick fire bricks do a great job at retaining heat and will work for countless forging sessions before they need to be replaced.
Overall, the Simond Store Five Burner Sword Forge is a great kit at a wonderful price. It’s by far the most powerful item on our list and is perfect for beginners and advanced users alike. Whether you want to forge simple blades or forge weld farm tools, this will get the job done. Plus, because it is the longest on our list, you won’t find much bigger, unless your DIY your own of course. In the end, the choice is yours.
Summary
A propane gas forge is a key tool in any sort of metalsmithing hobby. Whether you’re an experienced dwarven blacksmith or perhaps just an apprentice starting your journey, they are a great investment. Our #1 favorite for jewelry is the Cast Masters Propane Furnace, if instead you want to forge blades, the Hell’s Forge two burner propane forge is a great pickup. No matter which you choose, they are both high quality and will last for years to come.
Since you’ll be banging away at all hours of the day, you might want to look at grabbing a patio privacy screen to stop some of the noise. If you want to go full medieval, a propane fire column will really help sell the look!
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