Induction forge

An induction forge has been something I have been interested in for quite some time. I finally had the chance to pick one up. Here is my first look at what it may be capable of.

My name is John Switzer, I operate Black Bear Forge, a small one person blacksmith shop located in southern Colorado. My current focus is shifting away from commissions and customer orders and towards education through these videos on YouTube. Thank you for watching

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Beulah, CO 81023

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My blacksmiths apron

RZmask 99.5% dust mask

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Blacksmithing tools and supplies

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Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.

[Glaswalker]

I just dropped of a job application for a company thats building those things for industrial purposes.
Wish me luck!
I really hope I get the job.

[mikedrop]

As a mechanic we use hand held versions to heat up individual bolts/parts without the damage and or danger involved in using a torch and it's faster.

[centerededgedesignusa]

I know people alive today that would call this MAGIC. Truly amazing where technology has brought us. :) Thank you for the demo!

[Mushicus]

Oh I love induction heating. The setup we have in my lab can get steel white hot in 1-2 seconds. One day I want one in my home shop.

[VolodymyrMetlyakov]

I guess one of the advantages is less scale, because no forced air is used, therefore easier forgewelding. This will definitely become popular in blacksmithing when the prices drop. So many advantages, especially with problematic coal supply and needs to keep and refuel propane tanks and they are not always hot enough.

[jeffgrier]

We actually used a handheld version of this in the automotive field to heat up nuts, bolts, etc. in areas where a torch isn't a good idea. Great technology.

[jefflyon]

I'm suprised to see these coils being used bare in a most videos I see, the sleeving is the most protection I've ever come accross.
I started in the trades building induction furnaces, forges and ovens. Everything from large steel melting furnaces, smaller precious metal ones and heat treating/annealing furnaces for coil and leaf springs etc.
You can make the coils round, square or rectangular to suit the material being used. Filling the copper with fine sand when forming the coils on a mandrel helps keep the shape
Tne easier methods we used was brass bolts soldered to the coils with 4 hardwood blocks drilled at the proper spacing intervals placed evenly around its diameter. Ceramic blanketing can be used to isolate the hardwood from the coil. The inside of the coil then gets packed with refractory and the ends get shaped. This method only the inside gets packed.
Alternatively you can use the red/pink laminated electrical isolation board to maintain coil spacing and the entire coil can be cast in refractory. Its available in all kinds of thicknesses.
It would make using one of them safer and less stressful. A coil could could last years, maybe even a lifetime depending on how often its used.
Thought I'd pass that along in case its helpful.

[colinmiller]

I hope you have had a nice day.
I wanted to thank you for your videos you make. I’ll admit, some days I feel a little lonely, and that’s fine, but I want you to know how much I appreciate the work you do. I always look forward to when I get home from work, and get to sit down to watch your channel. Although we’ve never met, I feel like here at black bear forge I’ve found a friend.

Keep up good work, I hope you and your family are well,

-Colin

[Taematoe]

Once you get to use one you'll want one. I loved playing around with one. Made a Knife, fork and spoon pretty fast.

[BlackHoleForge]

I recently saw a post about induction heating. And John's doing a video on it, I clicked on it so fast. I always wondered if the induction coil was solid or a pipe. And I always wondered why the copper didn't just melt. Thank you John for all the extra information. I did not know that there was antifreeze cooling solutions for welding equipment.

[SchysCraftCo.]

Wowsers that is pretty cool tool / toy keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend forge on God bless

[michaelhayes]

Way to go! If memory serves, you have been dreaming of this for a few years now. I am so excited for you, this will open up so many other wonderful things!

[NeilGraham.I.M.F]

That is cool. It has to be exciting, and I've been waiting to see a video of somebody just playing with one and talking about it as you did

[boblalonde]

I can see that being really handy for things like Hardy tools. You can really isolate your heat areas so that you can maximize the output of your hammer. imagine creating a shoulder without changing the shape of your stem.

[erikcourtney]

The video I’ve been looking forward to for a couple years. I hoped eventually you would buy one. Definitely ready to learn and see more about these before I buy one. Thank you John.

[billchesser]

I went by Blacksmith Depot in North Carolina to buy some toys. The owner showed me the one they use for production. It was magical.

[aidanfordsword]

Wow, I have been wondering what they look like. And also how they work! Thanks for showing this!

[Seelenschmiede]

We use induction melting in the dental lab nearly every day. It is sooo fast and awesome!

[twiztidirons]

Pretty snazzy John cant wait to see what you do with this equipment

[ChristCenteredIronworks]

Man I really want to get one of these! Been looking at them for a lot of years now and as you probably know they have now finally come down in price enough a mere mortal can afford one..about 10 yrs ago a sells rep at sofa quadstate had one for sale for $30, 000 what a bargain 😂