I am set on using coal, which seems to be in abundance around here and relatively inexpensive at that. This is only going to be a hobby for me, and I hope to learn to make useful things around home and flint strikers for a start. I have a couple anvils so far, and have been working on acquiring a forge. I've gathered a couple brake drums and set them aside just in case I decide to build one. My plan is to gather up my necessities for a while, and build a small shop in the spring if all goes well. I am also hoping to use a hand cranked blower. I've been able to look around and check out some old forges, but.... like I said in my original post, the owners seem to be pretty proud of what they have. I am not in a hurry, I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with CF forges, or their hand cranked blower, as I may decide to go with their blower over paying close to the same for some of the older blowers I'm finding around here.
I will need hammers and tongs as well, but again I have time. I have been able to find plenty of vices in the area, they seem to be around $150.
In the meantime, I'll keep reading and looking, and scrounging stock to be repurposed later. Thank you for taking the time to respond.