BigLes985

I'm currently in the process of getting my propane forge setup situated. I am buying a fire extinguisher (has to be class B approved) and fire blanket to keep close to me while forging but in regards to propane storage I ran across a site that has some information on propane safety. I was planning on making a lean-to shelter off my shed for storage but now I think I'll do it sooner so I can make a spot to keep my propane cylinders far away from my house. http://www.propane101.com/propanecylinderstorage.htm

There is one in Covington good 3-4 hours from you. They meet the 4th Saturday of the month but unfortunately I work during the time they get together. They have a website https://gulfcoastblacksmith.com. I'm from Slidell but live in Hammond now.

Hi Borel, I'm just starting out as well so no real advice but saw Lake Charles so figured I would say hi from the east side of the state. Good Luck

Well I just found a local smith that's actually down the road from me. He sells a 50 lb sack for $20 which is a great price from what I've seen online. He also has taught at a local college in metal work. So I'm gonna reach out to him because he's now doing private lessons for new blacksmiths. I put the specs he listed below for the coal because it doesn't mean much to me. Thanks for all the advice. From the Pocahontas #3 seam, mined in SE West Virginia. As Received Specs: Size: Pea 1 x 3/8 or Nut 3 x 1 1/2" Moisture: 1.48% Ash: 7.12% Sulfur: .75% BTU/lb: 14,373 BTU/lb: 15,724 (dry, ash-free) Volatile Matter: 18.63% Fixed Carbon: 79.62% (dry ash-free) Free Swelling Index (Coke Button): 9 Lbs sulfur per million BTU: 0.52 Coal analysis report by Geochemical Testing, Somerset, PA.

I just thinking the propane forges would cost more money in the long run. I'm leaning towards a coal forge which I would buy some coal from a company like blacksmith depot.com. Just starting out and looking forward to reading advice and trying different things and see what works best. Thanks a lot for all the information. I'm leaning towards a coal forge at the moment. I just saw the whitlox wood-fired forge online and thought it may been good to start out with and just play around with the mini unit they make. I'm not opposed to propane just scared that the propane fuel would get costly quick.

Going to be a little time before I attempt any blacksmithing but I've joined the site so I can start researching and read techniques. My wife decided to let me learn a new craft so here I am. I'm gonna start slowing piecing together tools. I want to forge with coal/wood. Looking forward to learning this ancient craft and any glad to hear any advice. Will be scrolling through old threads so I don't ask any of the same questions as all new people. Wife is getting me The Backyard Blacksmith for Father's Day so will also be reading that book soon. Nice meeting everyone.