just starting have a few question????

[chefknife]

bulding a forge out of a brake drum should I use coal or wood?forge is for making small blades and tools.

does casting pieces(letters, figures, bells)fall under blacksmithing?

[ThomasPowers]

The question is coal or charcoal not wood. If beginning start with real chunk charcoal---NOT briquettes!---as it's easier to use.

Casting is not part of blacksmithing it's foundry work. However a number of smiths nowdays do cast to make special fittings and ornaments for things. I've used my forge as a heat source to melt: silver (fine and sterling), copper, bronze and brass.

[rmcpb]

Welcome to IFI.

Don't forget to have a look at the Getting Started articles off the front page of IFI. Then lots of practice!!