Hot shoe forge vs. gas forge: my old one died mid-shoe last Wednesday and I'm torn

I was right in the middle of shaping a hind shoe for a draft horse when my propane forge just sputtered out. The regulator gave up, I think. I finished the shoe with a torch but it was a pain. A buddy says I should switch to a hot shoe forge, says it's more precise for stuff like this. But I've used gas for years and it's what I know. Has anyone here made the switch and regretted it or loved it?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_sean1mo ago

Your buddy's right about precision but wrong about hot shoe forges being a simple swap. They're a completely different beast - you're basically learning to forge all over again with coal and a blower. Stick with gas for now, just buy a backup regulator and keep it in your box.

sarah_hart1mo ago

You got a torch to finish? That's rough. Gas forges are just easier to swap parts on, you know?