Hi,
I am now interested in starting hobby blacksmithing for quite more than 12 years and have not started yet.
I have one tong, hand cranked grinder (antique), a blacksmith's pole vice and I also have a 100 pound Londen anvil (no dents or marks yet).
The grinder and the anvil was given to me as gifts. I bought the tong as scrap but bought the vice for some money, before everything became expensive.
I have all types of modern tools, even a screw cutting lathe.
However, before I can go further I must build a forge (I prefer a coal forge as gas are too expensive). I have browsed around, but I am still looking for a fan or plans for a fan. Maybe I must buy the gears and make my own design for a hand cranked one. The fan part will not be so difficult. I had something that were used to spread sulfur dust om treas but just as I managed to melt bras the little gear box unit ceased up. I will therefore use my forge as a little furnace as well for aluminum and brass.
If anybody can direct me in some direction I will appreciate it.