Heating equipment and fuel

Heating Equipment

Forge: The primary tool used by blacksmiths for heating metal. It must reach high enough temperatures to make the metal malleable.

Gas Forge: Uses propane or natural gas as a fuel source. Known for its easy temperature control and cleaner burning compared to coal.
Coal Forge: Traditional type of forge, using coal as a fuel source. Known for reaching higher temperatures than a gas forge, but requires more maintenance.
Induction Forge: Uses electricity to generate heat and does not need a traditional fuel source. Great for precise and controlled heating, but not suitable for large or oddly shaped pieces of metal.

Blowtorch: A handheld tool primarily used for smaller, more detailed heat treating tasks. Allows for a concentrated heat source which can be controlled very precisely.

Kiln: Generally used for heat treatment processes such as annealing, hardening, and tempering metal.

Fuels

Propane: A popular choice for gas forges due to being relatively clean burning, easy to source, and allowing for good control over the temperature.

Coal: Traditional fuel source for forges, it burns at a high temperature making it particularly good for forge welding. There are different types of coal but blacksmiths typically use bituminous coal.

Charcoal: Another traditional fuel source, usually made from wood. Burns cleaner than coal but at a lower temperature.

Hardwood: Used in the past by blacksmiths, it’s not as common nowadays due to other more efficient fuel sources.

Natural Gas: A convenient fuel source for forges designed to use it, as it can be directly piped in. Some forges can be converted to use natural gas instead of propane.

Electricity: Used in induction forges, and in electric heaters or ovens for heat treatment processes.

As a reminder, always work with heating equipment and fuels in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of harmful fumes. Also, never leave heating equipment unattended while in use.