help with charcoal forge

[hibjib10987]

I am new took black smithing and am getting a gas forge but it is small and i would like to work bigger things like armor or shields. can any one help me in how to make a charcoal forge for cheap and maybe help with and experience gained in you own projects or at least point me in in the right direction thank you

[Hoary]

Well, first things first. Chances are you'd be better off sticking to fire pokers and small metal project to build up consistancy with your metal working before you should take on armor or shields. anyhoo, some cheap coal forge ideas would be from our blueprint section BP0484 BP0463 BP0238. You could probably find some of this stuff lying around your house or yard. that's what I have as my first forge and had only spent $20 on the whole dag on thing. as far as air supply is, see if you can get a hold of a hair dryer or an air pump ofr an air matress. there ya go. Good luck to ya!

[hibjib10987]

thank you very much for your advice i will defiently ude it

[Archie Zietman]

Dig a hole in the ground, about the size of your hands with the tips together forming a sphere, (clayish ground is the best) stick a steel pipe so one end comes out at the bottom of the hole, and the top end stick out above ground next to the hole ( 10 inches or so away maybe) then attach a small air supply to it, break your charcoal up into thumbnail sized pieces and pour it into and around the hole. I used a forge like that, it's really good actually.

[Hoary]

I'll have to try that one too, sounds like it would be good in a bind