E=mc²

Thanks for the warm welcome folks. Thanks for moving this thread to the proper area, I didnt realize there was an actual section for intros. guess I should have scrolled down further. @Dan, I would like to use coal, but may have to resort to charcoal. Here in central Illinois, we have a soft coal with high sulfer content. For right now, my time is mainly going to be spent doing research and learning all I can, as well as aquiring materials for my forge and scrap metal. This winter is proving to be a great one for reading, as it's been crazy cold.

Hello all!, I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and say hello. My name is Harry, I live in central Illinois with my wife and 2 children. I'm as green as the day is long when it comes to smithing. I'm looking forward to learning all I can and maybe one day pass this knowledge onto to others and my son. As of right now I have no tools other than a lot of wood working ones and some sledges. I'm the kind of person who would rather build it myself ,than spend the money to buy one that may not be up to my standards. I've done some research ( very limited as of now) on homemade forges. I think the brake drum style may be right up my alley. We have large trucks at work so I may be able to score a large brake drum. My neighbor also drives large trucks and might be able to aquire one for me. My intentions are to do this as a hobby for now, with some side work for extra cash or trade. I look forward to getting to know many of you and share in your knowledge of all things crafting related.