Forge, Build or buy?

[Steve Nuckels]

I'm slowly gaining experience with "Stock Removal" knives.  And am slowly assembling tools and equipment to begin forging blades. I would like to go "traditional" so to speak and use coal, but I generally only get small blocks of time to enjoy my hobbies with a full time job and a honeydo list longer than my arm.  For the sake of good time management I think porpane is the way for me to go!

So, A Propane forge! Should I build or buy?  
Cost, pros & cons
Comments in general!

Are these the ticket?  

The "Tabasco"??

  http://www.chileforge.com/index.html  

Steve

[kbaknife]

Build.

[Doug Campbell]

Yep, Karl nailed it...

[madness522]

Check out some forges at Zoller Forges  and the forge gallery at   Ellis Custom Knifeworks .

There are plans for several others that can be pulled off various knife making sites around the web.

[kbaknife]

Should those of us who have built forges start a little "forge builing" thread, or at least show some pictures of what we have?

[madness522]

Great idea Karl!

[imskippy]

Yes please do start a thread. I am starting to plan a small propane forge from a steel gas cylinder. should I go horizontal or vertical with the pipe? Probably depends on what size blades I plan on working with huh?  SKippy

[Steve Nuckels]

Very good idea!

[Phoenix 1967]

I realize that I'm new here,but I am certainly not new to knifemaking. I just recently completed a forge making build along on another forum (charcoal, not gas). Would it be acceptable to post here?

[Lin Rhea]

One of the moderators will be along shortly, but I bet it will be fine. Welcome to Tradgang. Lin

[Phoenix 1967]

Thanks Lin, Is there a specific place here for introductions or do we just start a new thread?