propane burner -which one?

[Scott Roush]

For an 8 pound tin can forge (1 foot long, 10 inch opening) with 2 inches of ceramic wool and satanite layer should I go with Bernzomatic mapp torch, venturi propane burner, or forced air/propane setup to forge small to medium size blades and EVENTUALLY do damascus mini-knives out SMALL pieces of  wire rope?

[Jeremy]

For a few dollars in plumbing parts and a mig tip, you could make a nice burner that'd work great.  The forced air/propane setup would be more efficient.  If you're talking about the little mapp torch, you'll be disappointed with that size forge.  

My first forge, which I still use for little stuff and heat treating, is a hollowed out kiln insulating brick with a hobby torch.  Works really well until you get into big or thick blades, then it takes forever to bring 'em up to working heat.  Isn't any good for forge-welding though.

[Scott Roush]

Thanks... I was going to go the brick route but I'm having such a hard time finding the stuff that it would be cheaper for me to just build a nicer forge (I live pretty far from any big cities).  With that being said... I would still like to make one of the little brick forges, but I don't wanna pay the cost of having something shipped.

[Ragnarok Forge]

Mapp gas for a single brick forge.  Venturi or forced air for the one your talking about.  I like the burners from Zoeller Forge.  I have two of the old style on my propane forge right now.  I plan to upgrade to two of the newer design which breath better and have less interference with wind effects.  If you wanted to the new design would be easy to set up as a forced air system as well.  The prices are good and you can buy all the stuff to run the burners pre-made and ready for hook up in a short period of time.

[kbaknife]

Always build "BIGGER" than you need!
That way, when you go to 'step up' to the next level, you'll already have what you need.
In this activity, over-kill is NEVER wrong!
I don't live anywhere near big cities either, but UPS still comes to my house.

[Scott Roush]

I agree... that is why I'm going with an 8 pound can instead of the single brick.  And UPS does come to my house... too often!  But that is one of the prices you have to pay for living in 'God's Country'