Burner Placement on Forge

[Buddy3223]

I am in the process of building a gas forge. The round forge is 23 inches long and 13 inches in diameter. I will be using 3 burners and assume that one will go in the middle of the tank. My question is, how far apart the other 2 need to go. I am using a 11 gallon air tank for the body with front cut off but hinged and a hinged rear window cutout. I will be using 1 1/2 inch tubing for the burner holders. Any advise would be appreciated.
Buddy3223

 

[A.McPherson]

Hey buddy,
It kinda depends on what kind of burner you are using and what you plan on using forge for.

If you are planning on using it for general forging tasks but not forge welding then one burner is probably enough.

If you are planning on using it for forge welding then there are two different routes to go.

If you are using venturi style burners then two is probably plenty, ‘specially if you are using one that has a high BTU rating. Buy one from atlas forge (he’s a member on here and will sell you one for cheaper than you can make it) if you want a good, cheap burner.

If you are planning on using a blown burner than you still probably only need one.

Look up at the stickies, there are good threads up there that have TONS of info on forge construction.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Unless you plan on melting steel, or welding 6" tall damascus billets … that is a lot of forge diameter and burners.

A smaller chamber ( can be had with your shell by using two or tree layers of Kao-wool) will heat better and be more efficient. Two burners will be plenty unless you just want the wow factor. If using three burner, I would use 1" burner tubes.

As for length, do you need a 23" long forge? With the ends both having 2" of insulation, that would still make a 19" chamber length. You can always cut a 6" section out of the air tank and make it shorter. With a 13" chamber length and a 9" diameter ( double 2" wool), you would only need one good burner.

I prefer blown burners, but venturi will work fine. ( you can adjust blown burners, but venturi are pretty much fixed burners)

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

5"-6" apart seems to be about right. I haven't really tested all that much on multiple burners, but that's where I place them. 23" x 13" is a BIG forge.