Air Compressor vs. Blower for Forge

[TekSec]

So I was messing around with my little stovepipe forge which just has some holes drilled into the feed pipe for air supply. It didn't seem as though I was getting enough air and the mix was too rich even though I had the regulator on the propane tank down quite a ways. So I took my air nozzle hooked up to my compress, turned down the regulator on the compressor to 10psi or so and set it in the last hole on the gas feed pipe. Low and behold I was no longer running rich, the forge ran at almost perfect atmosphere and a hell of a lot hotter. Is there any reason not to do this? I know a blower is the preferred method, but this seems to work. Let me know of any thoughts on this.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Oxygen is oxygen. The source doesn't matter. If it works for your small setup,fine.
Stacy

 

[TekSec]

That's what I was thinking, Stacy, just figured I run it by the quorum here to see if there was any possible ramifications to doing this. Thank you

 

[Keith_H]

I agree with Stacy, One thing I would do is add some sort of wrap over the hose, in case something like flux lands on it.

 

[JTknives]

i think where you will see a possible problem is volume. the blowers have a way higher output volume. once your compreser tank runs out the pump wont beable to pump the air fast enough

 

[JCaswell]

... once your compreser tank runs out the pump wont beable to pump the air fast enough

That kinda depends on the pump

 

[A C Richards]

If you are using the compressor as an augmentation to your blower then it seems to me your blower was under powered. If it works for you and your compressor does not burn up then go for it. Or you could just get a larger volume blower. I have been toying with adding O2 right from the tank to give it a little kick for welding. Don't really think I need it but might be interesting to try.

Chuck