Casey J. Clark

Mike, I am in the Clinton/Fulton area just south of Savanna. Any luck on finding experienced smiths in the area willing to share knowledge? 

I had no idea there were others on this site in my area. I'm about 40 minutes north of the Q.C area. I would love to learn from someone who actually knows what they're doing with a hammer and hot metal.

That build is awesome! Loving this site. Can't wait to get making some of the designs y'all have on here.  

5 minutes ago, Charles R. Stevens said:

In honestly you will do 90% of your forging in a small forge, say a 6” hotspot. A gasser is more expensive to buy or build than a simple sideblast. It has its advantages

Maybe i'll try your first suggestion of a 55 forge.  I have an old drum gathering dust in the garage.

Thanks guys.  I do want to be able to ask the "right" questions so that way I can get the best possible answers.  Would it be wiser to buy a small knifesmith forge, learn on that about how propane forges work (reducing my self exploding chances) and then source material to build one?  I was looking at the Mathewson KnifeSmith Forge https://mathewsonmetals.com/shop/item/knifesmith-forge Thoughts?  Thank y'all again for helping!

My apologies.  You're right, i know nothing about smithing (yet! Very eager to forge metal with my hands!)  I would like to build a propane forge that I can make small items ( S & J hooks, nails etc..) and be able to work up to blades around about 15"  long, including the tang.  I hope that helps.  I will look into Wayne Coe's website.  I appreciate y'all taking the time to help me get up to speed!

Square was just what came to mind is all.  As long as it's efficient I'm good with whatever shape.  Any tips on where to buy parts for the propane forge?  regulator, lines etc.

Lol gotta love being completely green at something new!  I'm sure this has been covered somewhere on here but what is the most cost efficient way to build a propane forge that is square in shape and can be put on wheels?  I am on a very strict budget with my v.a disability so I can't afford to go out and buy a nice new forge. 

Thank you Charles.  I'll look into what you've said and see what I can make happen. Much obliged.

Yeah I just grabbed a hammer that looked heavy and realized very quickly it is too big to start. I need to find a good source for fuel. The charcoal is temporary until I save enough to either buy or build a gas forge. Where is the best place for charcoal? Buying from Wal-Mart right now. I really don't want to buy from them but it's the only place around that sells lump charcoal locally.

This is what I'm using for a forge. I alsso have a  45lb about 24" piece of rr track and a 4lb drilling hammer. Thank you guys for the tips. I have no clue what I'm doing but I will start with what you've said and see what happens. 

Hello

  A little about me. I served in the Army for 5 years, been medically retired and 100% disabled officially since 2013. I need a hobby. Being a stay at home dad is awesome, but lately banging my head on the wall is the most fun I've had. I enjoy working with my hands so I figured I would give this a shot. I just fabbed up a small coal forge out of some scrap I had. Any tips, pointers and/or criticism is welcome!