“Gas Burners for Forges, Furnaces, & Kilns.” Written and Illustrated 
by Michael Porter. ISBN 1879535203. Paperback with 216 pages and 111 
illustrations by the author. Order through Bookmasters, 1-800-247-6553 
or on the web at www.skipjackpress.com. Cost is $19.95 plus shipping 
and handling.

Some gas forge designs that have been available for several years, were 
mostly reconstructions of store bought equipment or complicated and 
time consuming projects. Recently however, many inventive people have 
refined home made gas forges into an efficient tool for blacksmiths. 
The Internet has facilitated the "build a better mousetrap" approach 
with countless people contributing to the contemporary gas forge 
construction. Fortunately, through “Gas Burners for Forges, Furnaces, 
& Kilns,” a consolidation of these efforts is funneled into a very fine 
and well tuned forge. And the forges may be built with basic skills.

Ideally any fabrication of gas forges should begin with a discussion 
about safety. And it does so here with excellent instruction about 
propane tanks and tool safety. The designs are for atmospheric burners 
using propane for fuel. Four sizes of burners are beautifully detailed, 
including 1/2", 3/4", 1" and 1 1/4" sizes. To add to the function, the 
advanced options section in this edition should optimize fuel usage, 
allowing more cost savings. A very detailed material and tool list 
accompanies all designs with wonderful directions.

The actual forges are built from propane bottles. But these include a 
full bottle, a clamshell for farrier use, and a furnace for foundry, 
pottery or glass work. Construction details include insulation, 
fabrication of doors, legs and carrying handle. Externally, the valve 
system design and a unique, insulated forge cart design are also shown.

Michael Porter's fine illustrations match his excellent writing style. 
This shows through in the Dedication... to the future of the arts and 
crafts, allowing a forge for the people. “Gas Burners for Forges, 
Furnaces, & Kilns” is absolutely one of the best publications on the 
topic.


David W. Wilson
Metalworking Associate Coordinator
Reviewers Consortium
Dallas, Texas