Why does nobody talk about gas forge vs coal forge for beginners?

Had a conversation with my neighbor last week, old guy named Frank who's been forging since the 70s. He told me I was wasting my time with a gas forge because you can't get the same control over the heat zones like you can with coal. Said I'd never learn to read the metal properly. On the other hand I've seen plenty of folks online say gas is cleaner and easier to start with, especially if you're working in a residential area like me. So which side is right for someone just getting into this? Has anyone else switched from one to the other and regretted it?

2 comments

2 Comments

emery87919d ago

Man I started with gas and it worked out fine for learning the basics. Gas is way easier to get consistent results when you're just trying to figure out hammer control and not messing with a fire all day. Have you checked if there's a local blacksmithing group where you could try both before buying?

jordanl8219d ago

Nah, just buy both and figure it out later like the rest of us.