Firebug27

I hate upitty city folk, like mind your business were just making stuff.

Oh nice, I work in lexington but will be building this forge in campton, good to know there are close smiths.

There's no HOA here in my part of kentucky, we shoot ak's on new years. We'd welcome you with open arms.

Who are the fun police? Do I need to worry?

Hopefully the location shows now I think I found it with your help. I never would have imagined a hand cranked machine would give that kind of output but I will go buy one asap.

I couldn't find the location option but I did see that suggestion in a new user thread, I live in Appalachia so all forms of fuel are quite readily available and I in fact used to work at a coal mine so that part shouldn't be an issue. Would you recommend an electric blower on a JABOD forge?

You know I believe you have an excellent point. I should make something similar to this first to find out what I like and hone my skills. 

I was told that the blacksmithing community was second to none and I've not been disappointed. Thank you for such a detailed reply.

Hello all, I am new to the community and anxious to dive right into some basic metalwork. However, I need a forge first. 

I've played around with plenty of firepits and hair dryers before, but i'm looking to really get going with a proper forge setup. 

I live in the country so space and fuel type are quite flexible. My only real constraint is that I want it to be capable of forge welding low carbon steels and maybe even pure iron for when my skills hopefully reach that point. To my knowledge that requires a temperature of around 2700° F. 

Do you fine folks think I should build one, or buy one? And with what type of fuel source and/or blower? Thank you in advance from this humble beginner.