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Debate time: coal forge vs. propane for a first-time shop setup in a suburban garage.

I chose propane for my 2-car garage in Tacoma to avoid smoke issues, but after 6 months I'm wondering if the initial cost and different heat control are worth it compared to the traditional feel of coal.
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2 Comments
adam_clark65
Wait you're running a COAL forge in a SUBURBAN garage? That's wild, the smoke and smell must be insane. Propane was the only real choice for me with neighbors that close. The cost hurts at first but not setting off every smoke alarm in the house is worth it. You really have to miss that dirty, hands-on feel to even think about going back.
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mitchell.wade
My setup in a Bellingham garage is all propane for the same reason. I spent about $800 getting a decent burner and tank setup going. The first time I fired it up without a single plume of black smoke, I knew it was right. My neighbor's kid has asthma, and I never have to worry about blowing a cloud of coal dust over the fence. You just can't put a price on keeping the peace and actually breathing clean air in your own workspace.
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