Volume 2, Issue 1 / March 2001
Danny Ward on Forges: In the past 15 years or so, the coal forge used for shoeing horses has almost disappeared. Propane has taken the lead. It's hard to resist something that is smaller, faster, cleaner, safer around barns and easy to operate. The gas forge is also all that is needed for the wide selection of shoes now available that cover almost any application with only minor adjustments to do the job. My transition from a hard-core believer in coal didn't happen overnight. At first we used gas forges to heat the shoeing room, now I can't imagine working without one. Some thoughts on using gas forges: Adjust pressure to correspond to your work and speed you want something on the anvil. Try not to get the metal too hot. Not only, will it scale more but shoes are easily overworked and holes become distorted. This is not a big problem but it does cause more work and fuel consumption. For simple modification, a big heat is not needed. On a two burner, after the liner is hot, one side can be turned off and shoes to be worked rotated under the hot side to keep shoes hot and save gas. Regardless of pressure, the forge temperature will only get so hot so it may take more time for work. The overall temperature can vary somewhat depending on liners and how they hold and reflect the heat. One thing that it didn't take me long to figure out was to hold the tongs a little further back to avoid the scale that sticks to and puts little burn marks on your hands. Welding in a gas forge is another thing. You must have it down - we still have trouble on humid days and at high altitudes. Gas forges are great for everyday work but if you want to move some metal with less effort, you might want to consider a coal forge, especially in your shop.
Another Successful VHA Forging Clinic A forging clinic with Shayne Carter was held on January 19 and 20, 2001 in Doswell, Virginia. This 2 day event was loaded with solid information. On Friday, Shayne shod the front of a horse with handmade shoes and the use of Equipak. After lunch, participants forged shoes for the hind feet of the horse. Appropriate hind pair was fit and applied to the horse by Shayne. On Saturday, participants forged bar shoes and many others with emphasis on drawing, welding, making caulks and wedges. A very valuable 2 day event. |
