Hand crank vs electric forge blower, the 90 degree day decided for me

Back in July I was demoing a pair of old rivet forges at a farm auction near Dayton. One had a hand crank, the other had a beat up electric blower that hummed like a dying fridge. I bought the electric one for 60 bucks, thinking I'd save my arm for actual hammer work. Three weeks later I'm doing a demo at a county fair, no outlet within 40 feet of my setup, and the extension cord I brought was 25 feet. So I spent the afternoon cranking like a fool while my neighbor's kid asked why I didn't just buy the other forge. I ended up with a sore shoulder and a forge that ran hot then cold, never held a steady temp. Now I keep a spare hand crank in my truck, but I still think the electric was the right call for the shop. Anyone else gotten burned by assuming power would be available at a site?

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1 Comment

lindareed1mo ago

Always the thing you didnt bring that bites you.