Interest in blacksmithing usually runs into the same obstacle fast: forges need serious heat, and that heat has to come from somewhere.
A venturi-style propane burner is one of the most popular DIY options for backyard blacksmiths, and building your own is a lot more approachable than it sounds. The parts are simple, assembly typically takes just a few hours, and the trickiest step for most builders is properly mounting the venturi head.
Getting the flame right often takes some fine-tuning after the initial build- adjusting the choke is usually the fix if the burner isn’t performing the way you’d expect. Once dialed in, a well-built burner will reliably hit the temperatures needed to forge steel for years.
DIY Forge Burner Plans & Ideas
This article will explain to you how to create a burner using hardware store plumbery components. The regulator is the only component you’ll need that may be difficult to come by at the store.
Nevertheless, you can still use a preset regulator, but this means you forfeit the ability to adjust that flame. Since this project focuses on a metal forge, the torch will be okay this way, although it can still be used to burn weeds.
You can still modify it for your specific needs, with the torch working principle remaining the same.
Warning: Propane can be dangerous, so please only attempt this project if you’re comfortable with the risks. Remember that carbon monoxide will be produced when burning the gas; only use gas-burning appliances inside a sufficiently ventilated area. This includes a proper gas burner
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The equipment and components:
Get the following replacement WATTS brand tube components from the store.
- 1/2″ MIP (Minimum Inside Diameter) on a Length of at Least 10′ Long
- LFA-810 1/2″ FIP Brass Pipe Coupling
- 1/8″ FIP A-708 Brass Pipe Cap
- 1/8″ MIP x 2″ Brass Pipe Nipple A-717
- A-277 Flange Coupling, 1/2″ MIP on one side (union)and 1/2″ Flare on the other.
- 1/4″ MIP x 1/8 FIP A-738 Brass Pipe Hex Bushing
- 1/4″ FIP A-732 Brass Pipe Coupling
Other parts:
- 1/4″ MIP Low-Pressure gas Quick Release Plug
- Quick Connect gas fuel Sockets with Ball Valve for Low Pressure
- 1-15psi Adjustable dispensing flow regulator
- Pipe Type or Tube Thread Sealing Compound
- Sheet Metal
- Self-Tapping Screws
You also need some standard drill bits including, but not limited to:
- 1/4″ Drill Bit
- 1/32″ Drill Bit (or smaller depending on how large you want the flame)
Equipment and Tools:
- A Hand-held Drill
- Center Punch
- Wrenches with adjustable jaws
- Soldering and Flux for Plumbing
- Blow torch
What to Avoid Doing
A short tube pap will do just fine until the whole torch gets scalding hot since the pipework conducted a lot of heat through the now short distance.
The recommended length is at least 8-10″ long black iron tube instead; it doesn’t conduct as much heat, and the heat would still have to flow over a long distance, creating a steep potential difference.
If you can’t get any black iron pipage, go for a galvanized tube instead and clamp a coupler to make it the required length.
There’s also a challenge with galvanized pipework, which can produce poisonous zinc vapors when heated. To work around this issue, soak the GI tube in vinegar for about 8 hours to remove the galvanization.
It’s best to soak it overnight and embark on the project the next morning. This will dissolve the coating (containing zinc compounds) and expose it to view.
The Construction
So, to make the torch, I’ll try my best to give you an idea of what was done. The Brass tube Nipple 1/8″ MIP x 2 is soldered to the 1/2″ Flare x 1/2″ MIP Union and all the components fit together in a way that’s easier to see in the video.
The male threaded end of the union is inserted into the female threaded opening of the coupling. The joints are then sealed with a thread sealant or tube tape.
Here are the directions:
- Drill the tube Cap 1/8″ FIP with a 1/32″ bit to make the orifice hole
- Bore four holes just after the threads on the steel pipage. Use the 1/4″ drill bits for this.
- The 1/2″ Flare x 1/2″ MIP Union is connected to the Nipple 1/8″ MIP x 2 by soldering. Screwing the Brass Pipe Coupling 1/2″ FIP centers the pap to align with the steel tube. This process is better referred to as the “aligned nipple assembly.”
- Now attach the 1/8″ tube Cap to the Nipple 1/8″ MIP x 2 end by screwing it into the orifice hole. Notice that the latter is already part of the aligned assembly. Screw it to the 1/2″ MIP threads end to make what is called the “orifice assembly.”
- The Coupling 1/2 FIP is then screwed into the Orifice Assembly.
- Secure the steel tube with the 1/2″ holes to the Coupling 1/2 FIP on the other end with screws.
- Secure the Pipe Coupling 1/4″ FIP by screwing it to the second end of the orifice assembly.
- Join Hex Bushing 1/4″ MIP x 1/8 FIP with the Pipe Coupling 1/4″ FIP using screws.
- Attach the tube Hex Bushing 1/4″ MIP x 1/8 FIP to the Low-Pressure gas fuel Quick Release Plug 1/4″ MIP
You can follow these steps on the video here https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Build-a-Propane-Forge-Burner/
Nozzle Flaring
Use some sheet metal to make a nozzle flare. For this, cut some sheet metal and bend it into a cone shape with pliers. Then attach it to the end of the steel tube with drilled holes and self-tapping screws. Use stainless steel to make the nozzle after you are satisfied with how the torch performs.
You’ve just finished the torch!
Perform a Test Burn
Now that you’ve assembled the torch, it’s time to test it out. You first need to connect the regulator to the gas tank, and then the quick connect to the burner.
Safety Checks
After all your work, it would be a shame to have a catastrophe follow. Always make sure you use safety goggles when working with any kind of flame. Make sure all solder joints are cooled, and no scalding parts are left in contact with each other.
Examine the joints for any signs of leaks. Soak a sponge with some soapy water and run it over the joints. If you notice any leaks, seal them.
When lighting the torch, wear safety glasses simply as a precaution. Start with a BBQ lighter to light the propane.
It’s preferable to run the torch at 6-8 psi and then adjust as necessary.
The torch’s flame is approximately 6-10 inches long. If you want a shorter or longer flame, drill a smaller orifice and then tinker with the intake hole size as required. You can also set the nozzle flare to refine the torch.
Hi, my name’s Elena Coolidge. I’m a DIY enthusiast who loves building fun woodworking plans. These DIY plans are fun hobby projects for enthusiasts or even more advanced builders that want to build things like bunk beds, end tables or even a duck box!
