I have a gas forge I made from a freon tank with a Ron Reil design burner, works well but I prefer my coal forge with champion blower, quiet and only burns hot when I want it to, saves fuel that way.
There is a place near Arthur IL. That has smithing coal. T
I think the last I bought was 10.00 per 25 lb. The place is called Yoder's Gazebos , Amish owned.