Homemade Forge

[buddy215216]

i want to start blacksmithing but i don't have a forge and i want to make one for a small amount of money if possible. can anyone give me any instructions on making one and where i could find some good metal?

[civilwarblacksmith]

Go to a scrapyard or junkyard. You can pick up an old brake drum from a bus or some other large vehicle for the firepot there and find the tubing (pipe) or solid rod to make legs and tuyere (T-pipe).

[rfb343]

Hiya buddy,
Welcome to IFI you've come to the right place to get all the info you need, but first click on User CP at the top of the page and add your location so you can get hooked up with people that may have knowlege about your specific area(suppliers,groups,etc) check the blueprints and getting started sections, they have lotsa forge plans with the simplest being the 55 side draft. I built mine out of a old gas waterheater tank ,some vent pipe, clay and a hairdryer... check out my page below for the details

[buddy215216]

also what kind of forge is cheaper? gas, charcoal, or coal? i would think charcoal but i don't know, oh and which is safer?

[civilwarblacksmith]

you will use more charcoal versus coal. Depending on where you live can decide what you use. I live in a townhouse developement. Coal would not work with the neighbors but charcoal, gas and coke would.
Gas and charcoal will be more expensive than coal. Coke will be more expensive per poundage but 50 pounds of coke roughly equals 70 pound of coal.

[buddy215216]

so either coke or coal right?

[civilwarblacksmith]

Coal would be cheapest if you are in an area to use it. I'm having problems finding a close source of coke or bulk charcol in my area. I will probwbly have to by alot of bagged wood charcoal from Lowe's.

[buddy215216]

ok um i have no clue what i can find for coke or coal.

[civilwarblacksmith]

here is some contacts for the New England blacksmith Guild in New Hampshire. they should be able to help you find coal. they might be a good guild to join in your area.

[buddy215216]

um where are the contacts?