My forge blower died mid-heat on Saturday...

Was working a 3/8 inch bar and the fan just seized up with a grinding noise, right as I had the steel at welding heat. Had to pull it out and let it cool, lost the whole piece. Anyone else had a cheap blower fail on them like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_nathan5d ago

Blowing a cheap blower is rough but honestly thats just what happens with budget gear. You gotta check the bearings every now and then or at least have a backup plan when youre running forging temps.

palmer.ryan5d ago

And that backup plan is key. I always keep a spare blower motor on the shelf, even if it's a junkyard pull. They're cheap enough that having an extra one around saves a whole day of work if the main one lets go mid-heat. Also, get in the habit of giving the bearings a little shot of grease every few heats, it buys you a ton of time before the cheap ones start screaming.