Steve McCarthy

Because of the mess and availability of coal, I'm going to build a gas forge. I've read a lot and looked at a lot of forges. My question to people that know is, do you suggest forced air or venturi? From what I've read the advantage of forced air is a less picky set up and less fuel consumption. So far the only disadvantage I've heard of is the noise. I'ld really apperciate feedback from who ever has experience with both.

Do you remember the first piece you ever forged? I know that the vast majority of you on IFI are accomplished smiths. But, I just built my first fire in my first forge, and spent 3 hours making one half of a pair of tongs. I'm almost as proud of that as I am of my 4 month old son (don't tell my wife). I finished the brakedrum forge today and couldn't wait for the blower that is supposed to deliver next week, so I comendered my wife's hair dryer (she is gone for the week end). I couldn't wait for the coal that my wife is bringing back, so I burnt 15lbs of charcoal on that one half of a pair of tongs. It don't take long for the smoke to get in your blood does it? Some day I'll probably look at those tongs (assuming I can make another half to match) and laugh. But for now I thing they are a thing of beauty.

I am a former Marine. Marines are also called jarheads. My email address has always been jrhd1988. 1988 is the year I enlisted. The picture in the lefthand corner is also tattooed on my back. My name is Steve McCarthy. Semper Fi

WOW. I am really supprised at the amount of discussion generated by the question of a first time user. I REALLY appreciate all of the suggestions. I think the idea from Thomas will prove to be the simplest answer. Thanks again for everyones input.

Thanks for the ideas. For now I think using a vise is my best option.

By just getting started I mean that I'm still in the planning stage. I've started gathering parts for my first forge and hope to have it completed soon. Having never hammered iron, I have a lot to learn. I hope to one day turn out some respectable fish gigs. I have easy access to a salvage yard so material shouldn't be a problem. I don't know where to find coal close, so I plan to use hardwood charcoal. I have an unlimited supply of dry oak. In these pages I plan to a lot of reading and learning, and maybe I won't ask too many stupid questions. Anyhow,I just wanted to say "Hey" to all.

I have a broken fork from a large froklift that I plan to use as an anvil. It's 50 in. long 8 in. wide and 6 in. thick. Anybody have suggestions on how to make a square hole?