Braghtworst

Braghtworst,
I started out with a brake drum forge. I paid $80.00 to get a stand built at a welding shop, because, at the time, we didn't own a welder. I got the brake drum from a junk yard for nothing. I used my brake drum forge for over a year at an average of 8 hours a week, and I could burn just about any size steel you could put in it. It is still highly serviceable. You can usually get scrap steel from a steel yard for very little cost, and if you have a welder, you could build a brake drum forge for under $40.00. I prefer coal to propane because of the traditional aspect. I also like turning the blower; electric blowers aren't for me. Good luck.

The kidsmith, Dave Custer

I was thinking of just making a forge/kiln out of an igloo-style brick creation mounted on layers of cynderblock. Do you think that will work well? Though that's only by comparison... I'm not looking to do professional work, I just want to make some metal hot and pound on it. From that armature perspective, my search criteria wideness considerably.

Is there some state-wide blacksmith second-hand trade store chain? Besides the kiln, I need a good hammer, anvil and tongs to get started, and I have no idea where to look. I was thinking a horseshoeing depot; they use blacksmith tools a lot.

Wow, than you all for the quick replies! I will definitely check all your suggestions out.

Well... That depends. I would assume the solid fire would be easier to maintain, plus blowing the bellows gives undying satisfaction.

Do you know where I could get a solid fuel forge? Or I've seen how simple they can be, I assume I could just build one.

Hey everyone who reads this, I am new here.

I am also new to the art of blacksmithing, and the basics of metallurgy. Though I am no stranger to manipulating things with my hands, I have a good head start there.

I could use any experienced forger