[TheForge] building a coal forge

[Dann Johnson]

Toni, Dara,

Maybe you can check with  with your "local" ABANA group, to see if they 
offer classes.    Several years ago, I took a structured "basic 
blacksmithing" course with the Guild of Metalsmiths (GoM) up in the Twin 
Cities. The class ran  8 AM to 4 PM on 4 Saturdays ( every other Saturday 
). My class comprised  3 women and 5 men.  ("Local" for me is at least a 3 
hour drive, or up to a 7 hour one way drive to attend the Bemidji group).

A lot of what was taught, I had stumbled into (and around) over the years 
... the hard way, by trial and error.  I picked up a lot from the 
structured course.  Simple things like how to "easily" start a coal 
forge.   Prior to that, I firing up my torch/ rose bud to heat small 
projects, and often resorted to using the rosebud to ignite my coal forge 
for bigger projects.

I am a big fan of propane forges.  My  Whisper Momma  propane forge came 
via a club purchase Northern Minnesota Metalsmiths ( Bemidji group), and 
since getting the  gas forge, it primarily gets used rather than the 
coal.  What I like best about propane is that from a cold start to 
hammering cherry red steel is generally under 5 minutes.

Dann Johnson
Thompson, Iowa

 > ----- Original Message -----
 > From: "Dara Paoletti" <dpaoletti at kanab.net>
 > To: <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
 > Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2004 20:18
 > Subject: [TheForge] building a coal forge
 >
 >
 > Hello All,
 >
 > I am hoping to set up a small space to start doing some iron work.  I am
 > working with a small budget and am trying to get the basics together.  I
 > would be interested if anyone has any advice on building a coal forge.  I've
 > been looking for information on the web and can't find much.  If anyone
 > knows where I could find more info or has experience building a coal forge
 > I'd appreciate it.
 >
 > Thanks
 >
 > Dara
 >

Dara, here are 2 links you should find helpfull:
http://www.anvilfire.com
http://www.anvilfire.com/21centbs/forges/forge01.htm

I myself am in your position, I have read enough to know that I too am
interested in learning the art of working metal with hammer and bit.
Currently I am working on putting together a forge of some resemblance
to the second link above.

If there is anyone in the Boulder Colorado area who is willing to let me
take a peek a working smithy that would go far beyond my expectations.
If anyone would go so far as giving me a short tutorial on the basics in
safety I would be mortally (and possibly eternally) greatful.

If anyone is needing a 6 pack of beer to make the process more ...
palitable; please let me know as to what kind and I will be sure to bring
it along.


Thanks all in advance

Toni