[TheForge] Start up

[Nathan]

To all and any who wish to respond,
       I am a recent addition to The Forge mailing list.  I am looking to start doing some metal work in the fashion of a blacksmith.  I have been interested for sometime and would like to start gathering the required tools or instruments needed.  I plan on starting with basic concepts and branch out from there.  My oldest son, he is 8, wants to help me make swords and knives (what 8 year old doesn't), but that is a little advanced I presume.  So I turn to the experience of the members here and ask for advice.  What would I need to do some basic blacksmithing?  What is a appropriate sized anvil?  If I would like to use coal for my forge what type and where would I find it?  Are there anyways to get an inexpensive anvil that is not a railroad tie or random peice of metal?  Any advice you have is appreciated.  Thank you.
 
Nathan