Thanks for the review! It wasn’t too long, I’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on one of these for a long time now. You probably just sent me over the edge. I get the “Forged in Fire” question every time too. I decided it’s easiest to keep pics of the few knives I’ve made on my phone just because it’s easier than showing them other stuff they aren’t expecting.
@@wrotiron Thanks! I love the wood grain look and am trying to figure out how to do without using a grinders to remove material instead of the mig to add materiel to make the grain.
I actually build these frames here in Indiana. I'm very glad you are enjoying the product. We have 12, 16, 25 ton and double side 16 and 25 tons. We've built 2 50 tons. We have all kinds of new things added to the product.
I forget Damascus for years. Always by hand. I do it because it relaxes me. I want to get a 40-50 ton press to take my forging to another level. The most important thing i am looking for is the sound of the machine and responsive controls. The noise of this machine is far from relaxing. Any other suggestions for a good sounding forge press?
A remote motor and pump,(preferably enclosed out of the same room as you, lots of pipe, and some sound proof construction and insulation, don't forget to let the motor and pump get cool air.
I just found out about this press and have been contemplating one. This video and the initial unboxing video are exactly what I was looking for to help me decide to get one. Thank you sir.
I just bought a log splitter turned into a forge press for $400, all it needed was a few bolts replaced and a couple of tabs holding the anvil from sliding to one side. Am thinking of keeping it horizontal and adding legs to raise it to waist level, but, I also like the vertical ones, which I would prefer the cylinder on top and the anvil on the bottom, so, hinging the T-frame isn't the answer.
Thank you for the thorough review on this press! I've been searching for an ideal one to do small-scale production work, and if the 25-ton press is anything I quality and speed like this one, I'll definitely be getting one when I set up my shop! I love the thought of getting an old cast iron drop hammer, but those things are just too massive for a small setup.
I've had one of those "12 ton" presses for little over a year now. I'm amazed how well it works for a 9 ton press. Note, it's got a 3" cylinder (unless they've went to a 3.5") and 3" at the spec'd 2550 psi is 9 ton, NOT 12 ton. First thing I did was add a pressure gauge and found my psi was set at 2250 giving an 8 ton pressure. Still amazed how well it works. with the small dies the press uses allows 9 ton to work nicely. I changed to a 4" cylinder at 1950 psi for an honest 12 ton. The frame is plenty strong enough to handle the full 12 ton, and perhaps even 14 ton? If Coal Iron folks had been honest about the 9 ton rating I would be giving the press my whole hearted approval because it does work. I made several billets of Damascus when it was only at 8 ton. The size of the press is great fit for a small hobby shop.
When I purchased the 16 ton, I got the combo, the full flat, full drawing, and tomahawk dies. It's an awesome machine whichever model you chose. They're great folks to work with.
Great review on the press! A tip on the dies for more longevity would be to Rob Gunther Super Quench the mild steel to achieve 48 to 50 Rc hardness. I have been using Super Quench for years to make blacksmith tools! My press is on the truck heading my direction!! Great tip on the round drawing dies!!
Do you sell any of your texturing dies? I am picking up my 12 ton Coal Iron press on Friday. I am interested in what you’ve made for texturing dies. Appreciate your time. Thanks for documenting your experience with this press. It is what sold me on purchasing one. Thanks.
No worries. I bought the 12 ton mini just last week and I am interested in expanding my die options. I may try making a texturing die set but yours are pretty nice so I just thought I would ask.
Three months ago I watched you unbox your new device, and thought I would get one some day. It's now in my budget, and given that we forge similar projects I am confident that your recommendation is accurate. Can't wait to get my pole barn shop up so I have a place to put it. My wife refuses to let me put it in the kitchen; spoilsport!
@@wrotiron I've now had my 12 Ton for about 9 months, in my new shop, and it's worked just fine except it doesn't like to squish much past 3/8". Coal tells me that's when the second phase of the pump kicks in and supplies more power, so I guess I need more patience. For what I generally use it for it saves time incrementally over hammer and anvil.
I’ve been unsure of whether to get/make a power hammer or a press. I want to do more forging than I do, but can’t due to lower spine injuries. My VA Disability doesn’t leave any room to make any big purchases. I get out and ready to start and I get maybe 45-90 minutes before I have to stop due to pain. That little bit of forging takes me out for a few days at the least. Something like this would be ideal if I could afford it. I’ll have to go check it out, a bit of online window shopping..
really great video. Thanks for that. Question, My work shop isn't heated in the winter. I have some space heating during the day while I work but will the Coal 12T die in the cold temps of the night. I live in Canada.
Thank you for the comment, in all honesty this last year we had one of our coldest winners that we've had in a very long time compared to your winners it's probably nothing but we did sustain below freezing temperatures and Sub-Zero temperatures for almost 2 weeks. During that time I still managed to work out in the shop my shop is a pole barn style shop that is not heated as well. I had two times when the temperature in the shop was about 12° f that the press did not want to function. After utilizing a space heater for a period of time it started functioning properly again. Unfortunately in cold environments hydraulics tend to freeze up and not work very well.
@@wrotiron thanks for that. Really appreciate your information. I’m done with all this COVID and work crap. I’m building the shop I should have 10 years ago. Kitchen knives is my future. That 12T press will be very handy. Thanks again.
Good review on the coal Ironworks forge press Chris, impressive set of original dies that you’ve made. Thanks for sharing pity there is nothing in the uk like it ?
Actually had a friend on TH-cam contact me, he lives in the uk and ordered one. Not sure if the process or price but he seemed very pleased with the experience.
Honestly it doesn't say and then the manufacturing process they paint over the label. If I had to guess I would say it's at least three horsepower to five based on the size and my understanding of mechanical pump motors from industrial background. For this particular application that's more than enough and the speed on the ram if I had to guess is about 2-3 inches per second.
These are the way to go for power forging on single phase electricity. Power hammers are fun but a hard to find, maintain, mount, move, control, make dies for, they're more dangerous and unless they are large (3 phase, 100 lb.) they are quite limited in their use. These Coal presses just start and go. Great review Chris. Mild steel can handle 36k psi. So 36k versus 12 tons is pretty safe. Take care.
Just watching you remove the dies with the ratchet...the constant twisting motion on your hands can be really fatiguing if you have old injured/arthritic hands. Being a mechanic most of my adult life and having injuries/arthritis in my hands, like yourself, one of the best things I have done and should have done years ago - I bought some cordless impact tools. When you are spending long hours in the shed (Americans work in shops, Australians work in sheds) having some 3/8 and 1/2 inch drivers make life so much easier on the hands.
It's from coal Ironworks, it only took a few minutes to set up and works amazingly well. It's heavy so it doesn't move around on the floor unintentionally. Highly recommend
@@wrotiron yeah, it looks awesome, I just didn't see it as an add-on for the 12-ton press. Thanks for the info! I think you've convinced me to get one!
Just came across your video looking for anything about an air filter in it. I have my own 12 ton press, and I absolutely love it too. I will say that I use my press to forgeweld 41/2 in long x 2 1/2 in tall x2 in wide billets with some effort but it will forgeweld it and then the fullering die can draw it out. I typically take my billets up to 200 layer but I’ve squeezed out 900 layer Damascus with it as well, with no issues. So just wanted to throw my 2 cents into your comments section for anyone looking for info in addition to what you have given to the community. I’m in total agreement with everything you have said here. I’d even say that this is by far the best press I have had the pleasure to use 👍🏻 granted it’s only my second press I’ve ever used and the first one I built and broke within 6 months 😂
I've used it for Damascus, forging upwards of 3 inch bar stock. And the versatility of making dies for various needs and tooling (in my shop) it's proven to be worth every penny and had more than payed for itself. Sorry your experience hasn't been the similar.
Thank you for taking the time to go over your thoughts on the Coal Iron Press. I am still looking at this as an option for me. You are helping me.
Thank you! I've really enjoyed it and use it daily still
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Great info!!
Thanks for the review! It wasn’t too long, I’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on one of these for a long time now. You probably just sent me over the edge. I get the “Forged in Fire” question every time too. I decided it’s easiest to keep pics of the few knives I’ve made on my phone just because it’s easier than showing them other stuff they aren’t expecting.
LoL glad I could help.
Could you do a video on how you make your texturing tools with the mig spatter? I'm trying to figure out how you're doing that. Great videos !
Definitely, be on the lookout I'll try to get something out soon
@@wrotiron Thanks! I love the wood grain look and am trying to figure out how to do without using a grinders to remove material instead of the mig to add materiel to make the grain.
I actually build these frames here in Indiana. I'm very glad you are enjoying the product. We have 12, 16, 25 ton and double side 16 and 25 tons. We've built 2 50 tons. We have all kinds of new things added to the product.
I found out about coal IRON forge from your video, I just ordered mine. Thanks
Awesome thank you for checking it out
Those custom dies you made are pretty awesome!
Thank you
I forget Damascus for years. Always by hand. I do it because it relaxes me. I want to get a 40-50 ton press to take my forging to another level. The most important thing i am looking for is the sound of the machine and responsive controls. The noise of this machine is far from relaxing. Any other suggestions for a good sounding forge press?
A remote motor and pump,(preferably enclosed out of the same room as you, lots of pipe, and some sound proof construction and insulation, don't forget to let the motor and pump get cool air.
I just found out about this press and have been contemplating one. This video and the initial unboxing video are exactly what I was looking for to help me decide to get one. Thank you sir.
Awesome! Thank you for the view. I use it daily and have really no complaints.
Thanks for the practical review.
Very welcome thank you for watching
Just got mine. Building squaring dies now. Love this press....
Awesome!!
I just bought a log splitter turned into a forge press for $400, all it needed was a few bolts replaced and a couple of tabs holding the anvil from sliding to one side. Am thinking of keeping it horizontal and adding legs to raise it to waist level, but, I also like the vertical ones, which I would prefer the cylinder on top and the anvil on the bottom, so, hinging the T-frame isn't the answer.
Thank you for the thorough review on this press! I've been searching for an ideal one to do small-scale production work, and if the 25-ton press is anything I quality and speed like this one, I'll definitely be getting one when I set up my shop! I love the thought of getting an old cast iron drop hammer, but those things are just too massive for a small setup.
Thank you for watching. I still use it almost daily and have never had an issue 😉
Bahaha I get the "have you seen that TV show" question all the time LOL. Great video.
Lol thanks
I've had one of those "12 ton" presses for little over a year now. I'm amazed how well it works for a 9 ton press. Note, it's got a 3" cylinder (unless they've went to a 3.5") and 3" at the spec'd 2550 psi is 9 ton, NOT 12 ton. First thing I did was add a pressure gauge and found my psi was set at 2250 giving an 8 ton pressure. Still amazed how well it works. with the small dies the press uses allows 9 ton to work nicely. I changed to a 4" cylinder at 1950 psi for an honest 12 ton. The frame is plenty strong enough to handle the full 12 ton, and perhaps even 14 ton?
If Coal Iron folks had been honest about the 9 ton rating I would be giving the press my whole hearted approval because it does work. I made several billets of Damascus when it was only at 8 ton. The size of the press is great fit for a small hobby shop.
Good review mate , And those dies are awesome . Cheers :)
Thank ya sir
When I purchased the 16 ton, I got the combo, the full flat, full drawing, and tomahawk dies. It's an awesome machine whichever model you chose. They're great folks to work with.
They really are! Thank you for commenting.
Thankyou for this! I am a small scale artist smith.Ready to invest in myself, this press looks very good.
Thank you. I use it almost daily and have experimented with more and more self built dies it's extremely versatile
Great review on the press! A tip on the dies for more longevity would be to Rob Gunther Super Quench the mild steel to achieve 48 to 50 Rc hardness. I have been using Super Quench for years to make blacksmith tools!
My press is on the truck heading my direction!! Great tip on the round drawing dies!!
Thank you I really appreciate it
Do you sell any of your texturing dies? I am picking up my 12 ton Coal Iron press on Friday. I am interested in what you’ve made for texturing dies. Appreciate your time. Thanks for documenting your experience with this press. It is what sold me on purchasing one. Thanks.
Sorry just seen this, I hadn't ever really thought of making any to sell. (Yet) lol thank you for the comment.
No worries. I bought the 12 ton mini just last week and I am interested in expanding my die options. I may try making a texturing die set but yours are pretty nice so I just thought I would ask.
Nice work on the dies 👍
Thank ya
Three months ago I watched you unbox your new device, and thought I would get one some day. It's now in my budget, and given that we forge similar projects I am confident that your recommendation is accurate. Can't wait to get my pole barn shop up so I have a place to put it. My wife refuses to let me put it in the kitchen; spoilsport!
Oh, I forgot to thank you!
Hahaha I vote for the kitchen!
@@wrotiron I've now had my 12 Ton for about 9 months, in my new shop, and it's worked just fine except it doesn't like to squish much past 3/8". Coal tells me that's when the second phase of the pump kicks in and supplies more power, so I guess I need more patience. For what I generally use it for it saves time incrementally over hammer and anvil.
Thanks Chris!
Thank you for watching!
Do they also make jewelry presses?
I’ve been unsure of whether to get/make a power hammer or a press. I want to do more forging than I do, but can’t due to lower spine injuries. My VA Disability doesn’t leave any room to make any big purchases. I get out and ready to start and I get maybe 45-90 minutes before I have to stop due to pain. That little bit of forging takes me out for a few days at the least. Something like this would be ideal if I could afford it. I’ll have to go check it out, a bit of online window shopping..
really great video. Thanks for that. Question, My work shop isn't heated in the winter. I have some space heating during the day while I work but will the Coal 12T die in the cold temps of the night. I live in Canada.
Thank you for the comment, in all honesty this last year we had one of our coldest winners that we've had in a very long time compared to your winners it's probably nothing but we did sustain below freezing temperatures and Sub-Zero temperatures for almost 2 weeks. During that time I still managed to work out in the shop my shop is a pole barn style shop that is not heated as well. I had two times when the temperature in the shop was about 12° f that the press did not want to function. After utilizing a space heater for a period of time it started functioning properly again. Unfortunately in cold environments hydraulics tend to freeze up and not work very well.
@@wrotiron thanks for that. Really appreciate your information. I’m done with all this COVID and work crap. I’m building the shop I should have 10 years ago. Kitchen knives is my future. That 12T press will be very handy. Thanks again.
How is the press 2 years later?
Good review on the coal Ironworks forge press Chris, impressive set of original dies that you’ve made. Thanks for sharing pity there is nothing in the uk like it ?
Actually had a friend on TH-cam contact me, he lives in the uk and ordered one. Not sure if the process or price but he seemed very pleased with the experience.
And thank you for watching I really appreciate it.
whats the horse power on the moter
Honestly it doesn't say and then the manufacturing process they paint over the label. If I had to guess I would say it's at least three horsepower to five based on the size and my understanding of mechanical pump motors from industrial background. For this particular application that's more than enough and the speed on the ram if I had to guess is about 2-3 inches per second.
These are the way to go for power forging on single phase electricity. Power hammers are fun but a hard to find, maintain, mount, move, control, make dies for, they're more dangerous and unless they are large (3 phase, 100 lb.) they are quite limited in their use. These Coal presses just start and go.
Great review Chris. Mild steel can handle 36k psi. So 36k versus 12 tons is pretty safe.
Take care.
Great info! Thank you!
Just watching you remove the dies with the ratchet...the constant twisting motion on your hands can be really fatiguing if you have old injured/arthritic hands. Being a mechanic most of my adult life and having injuries/arthritis in my hands, like yourself, one of the best things I have done and should have done years ago - I bought some cordless impact tools. When you are spending long hours in the shed (Americans work in shops, Australians work in sheds) having some 3/8 and 1/2 inch drivers make life so much easier on the hands.
I've thought about getting some. Thank you for the comment I really appreciate ya.
Flip your piston to the bottom pushing up to bring g your work to eye level and save your back! (From an older disabled hobiest) 😊😊😊
Awesome review what are the worth ?
Thank you this set me back a little over $3000 usd delivered to my door.
how many hp motor do you use?
Such machine is mi dream.
Is the foot pedal you got from coal ironworks or from someone else? That looks perfect!
It's from coal Ironworks, it only took a few minutes to set up and works amazingly well. It's heavy so it doesn't move around on the floor unintentionally. Highly recommend
@@wrotiron yeah, it looks awesome, I just didn't see it as an add-on for the 12-ton press. Thanks for the info! I think you've convinced me to get one!
Just came across your video looking for anything about an air filter in it. I have my own 12 ton press, and I absolutely love it too. I will say that I use my press to forgeweld 41/2 in long x 2 1/2 in tall x2 in wide billets with some effort but it will forgeweld it and then the fullering die can draw it out. I typically take my billets up to 200 layer but I’ve squeezed out 900 layer Damascus with it as well, with no issues. So just wanted to throw my 2 cents into your comments section for anyone looking for info in addition to what you have given to the community. I’m in total agreement with everything you have said here. I’d even say that this is by far the best press I have had the pleasure to use 👍🏻 granted it’s only my second press I’ve ever used and the first one I built and broke within 6 months 😂
Thank you!!
Glad you have had a better experience then I did. Every time I look at it I just think about how I wasted 3 grand
I've used it for Damascus, forging upwards of 3 inch bar stock. And the versatility of making dies for various needs and tooling (in my shop) it's proven to be worth every penny and had more than payed for itself. Sorry your experience hasn't been the similar.
Why hasn’t it worked for your use?
How about selling me yours for 2 grand. Then you don't have to look at it and you only wasted 1 grand.
Great machine, foot pedal frees up both hands. Absolutely no problems with mine. Now off to make those texture die. 😉
Awesome let me know how they work for ya
Solid review. They should send you something lol.
fudged in fire ... with you m8 even in the UK im sick of the references they are almost to a man crap smiths ide never buy a letter opener from them.
Really wish you would stop talking and show us the tool
Thanks for the feedback
@@wrotiron I don't mean to be rude but came here to see the tool in action
Buddy if you wanted to see the tool in action you'd look up a video of the tool being used and not a "review".
The press is cool. But it's 3,000 dollars🥲