When blacksmithing, there are different forge options you can use. Every forge has a suitable purpose and method of operation. You can use small scale propane forges or easy to assemble coal forges.
There is another type of forge called the induction forge. It uses an induction heater to heat the metal in seconds. This guide will show you the basic functioning of an induction heater and how induction is forging different from other types.
Building an Induction Heater
An induction heater consists of a transformer that converts the wall output into high ampere output. The unit had an output coil of a few turns, and it is water-cooled. Thousands of Amps of current flows through the copper coil. This unit can be plugged into any high voltage outlet and can be easily carried around.
Principle
The principle is relatively simple. The vast amount of current that flows through the copper coil induces an opposite current in the iron bar that is placed between the loop. This current is of vast quantities and heats the iron terribly to more than 1000 degrees in a matter of seconds.
This process is called electromagnetic induction.
You can quickly heat any kind of metal and up to the various amount of sizes. Based on the winding of the coil, you can adjust it to heat thick metal bars too.
Quick and Efficient
Induction forge heats metal very quickly. Unlike coal and gas forges, they don’t have to wait before they reach the optimum temperature for forming. You can start one up, and only in a few seconds, it’ll heat your metal bar to 1500 degrees.
Induction heaters are highly efficient as almost all the electricity is converted into heat, and they operate for a few seconds. That’s why there is minimum heat loss.
Environment-Friendly
The whole apparatus is environment-friendly and does not emit any poisonous gases. Coal forges, on the other hand, release harmful fumes, and dust near the forge may pollute your workshop and the environment.
Same case with the gas forges. The gasses they use create harmful gases after combusting. These can also pollute the environment. Induction forges don’t include any fuel or gases to burn. They utilize clean electricity to produce heat so, don’t produce any byproducts.
Safety
While the induction forges may be easy to operate, you need to keep some safety precautions in mind. While operating the forge, always wear insulated gloves, so you don’t get accidental shocks from the high amount of current flowing in the coil.
Always stay clear of the coil as it heats the metal reasonably quickly. You might get burns from touching the metal. So, operate I from a distance. Always remember to turn off the forge before removing the metal from the coil.
Conclusion
Forges come in different shapes and forms. Each with advantages and disadvantages. People prefer the forge that is cheap and readily available to them. If you have cheap propane available to you, then a propane forge will be ideal for you.
If you want a portable forge and have a cheap electricity supply available to you, then an induction forge might be the best option. It’s up to you and your circumstances.