If you're looking to get into blacksmithing, picking up a simond store forge is probably one of the smartest moves you can make. It's a solid piece of gear that doesn't break the bank, and honestly, it's a lot more approachable than those massive industrial setups or trying to build a DIY coal forge from an old brake drum. There's something incredibly satisfying about watching a piece of cold, dull steel turn bright orange-yellow in just a few minutes, and these propane-powered units make that process feel a lot less intimidating for those of us working out of a garage or a backyard shed.
Why This Forge Works for Beginners
One of the biggest hurdles when you first start hitting hot metal is the setup. I remember looking at old-school coal forges and feeling completely overwhelmed by the idea of managing a fire, dealing with clinkers, and keeping the smoke from annoying the neighbors. That's where the simond store forge really shines. It's a "plug and play" kind of deal—or rather, "hook up and light."
Because it runs on propane, you get a clean, consistent heat. You aren't constantly fiddling with a bellows or wondering if your coal is high enough quality. You just open the valve, light the burner, and you're off to the races. It's also surprisingly portable. If you need to tuck it away on a shelf when you're done, you can usually do that once it cools down. For a hobbyist who doesn't have a dedicated 2,000-square-foot workshop, that portability is a lifesaver.
What You Get in the Box
When your forge arrives, it usually comes as a kit. You'll see the heavy-duty steel body, the burners, and the refractory material. One thing to keep in mind is that most of these require a little bit of "sweat equity" before you start your first project. You'll usually find ceramic fiber blankets inside, which are great for insulation, but you absolutely must coat them.
Setting Up the Refractory Lining
This is the part where some people get a little nervous, but it's actually pretty straightforward. Most kits include a rigidizer or a refractory cement. You apply this to the ceramic wool lining. Why? Well, it does two things. First, it prevents the tiny ceramic fibers from floating into the air (which you definitely don't want to breathe in). Second, it reflects the heat back into the forge, making it way more efficient.
It's a bit like painting the inside of a cave with thick, heat-resistant mud. Once it dries and you heat-cure it, that soft wool becomes a hard, durable shell. It takes a day or two to fully set and dry, so don't expect to be hammering out a sword thirty minutes after the delivery truck leaves. Patience is a virtue here, and a well-prepped lining will make your simond store forge last a lot longer.
Dialing in the Burners
The heart of the forge is the burner system. Depending on which model you get—single or double burner—you're looking at a venturi-style setup. This means it uses the pressure of the propane to pull in the oxygen it needs to combust. You don't need an electric blower or a complicated fan system.
Learning to tune the flame is part of the fun. You're looking for a nice blue flame that roars. If it's sputtering or turning too green/yellow, you just adjust the air choke on the burner. Once you find that "sweet spot," the interior of the forge will glow a beautiful incandescent orange. It's actually quite hypnotic to watch, though you should definitely be wearing proper eye protection because that infrared light is no joke for your retinas.
Projects You Can Actually Tackle
So, once you've got your simond store forge fired up and screaming, what do you actually do with it? The possibilities are pretty much endless, but most people start with the basics.
- S-Hooks and Decorative Items: These are the "bread and butter" of learning. You learn how to taper a point, how to bend metal without collapsing the structure, and how to manage your heat.
- Bottle Openers: Everyone loves a hand-forged bottle opener. It's a great way to practice punching holes and twisting square stock.
- Knifemaking: This is a huge draw for many. These forges get plenty hot enough to reach critical temperatures for tool steel. Whether you're forging a hunting knife from an old file or trying your hand at a basic kitchen knife, the heat is consistent enough to get a good, even quench later on.
- Tongs: Ironically, one of the first things you should make is a better way to hold the metal you're working on. Making your own tongs is a rite of passage for any blacksmith.
Managing the Heat and Fuel
Propane is convenient, but it's not free. If you're running a double-burner simond store forge at full blast, you're going to go through a standard 20lb tank faster than you might think. A good tip is to use firebricks to "close off" the front and back openings of the forge if you're working on a small piece. This traps the heat inside and means you can turn the gas pressure down a bit while still keeping the metal at a working temperature.
Also, don't forget about the "dragon's breath." That's the flame that licks out of the openings of the forge. It's cool to look at, but it'll melt anything nearby that isn't heat-resistant. Make sure your propane tank is tucked away to the side or behind a heat shield, and never leave the forge unattended while it's running.
Maintenance and Longevity
Like any tool, a forge needs a little love now and then. Over time, the refractory lining might crack or thin out, especially if you're clumsy with your tongs and poke the walls (don't worry, we all do it). Keeping a small bag of refractory cement on hand for "patch jobs" is a smart move.
You'll also want to keep an eye on the burner flares. Sometimes they can get a bit of carbon buildup or oxidation. A quick brush-off every few sessions keeps the airflow smooth. If you take care of the shell and keep the lining intact, a simond store forge can easily last you years of heavy weekend use.
Is It Worth the Investment?
If you're serious about the hobby, then yeah, it's absolutely worth it. You could spend hundreds of hours trying to scrounge up parts to build a DIY forge that might not even work efficiently, or you could get one of these and be hammering steel by the weekend. The time you save on the build is time you spend actually learning the craft.
Blacksmithing is one of those rare hobbies that combines physical effort with a lot of creative thought. There's a "flow state" you get into when the hammer hits the metal just right, and having a reliable heat source like a simond store forge makes it a lot easier to stay in that zone. You aren't fighting your equipment; you're using it to create something out of nothing.
At the end of the day, it's about getting that steel hot and making something you're proud of. Whether it's a simple wall hook for your keys or a complex blade, the journey starts with a good fire. And for most of us, these propane forges are the perfect way to get that fire started. So, grab some safety gear, turn on the gas, and see what you can create. There's a whole world of making waiting for you.