KenC

My apologies if this doesn't work right. I usually have trouble attaching pictures to posts. These are two forges actually. The ground forge is a one-time use forge to help me cut up a very hard grading blade. the other is a converted gas BBQ lined with a mix of morter mix, ash, and basic sifted dirt/clay. This works fine for charcoal but I think I need to modify it before I start burning straignt coke. A good, inexpensive tool to learn on.

If 'cheap' is the most desireable factor in a forge then why not build your own. I have seen several homebrew forges from brake drums to plan earth pits (Japanese style). For blade forgeing I suggest a basic morter, ash, and sand (fireclay if you have it) mixture. Place a side tuyre or bottom tuyre (just drill about 3-4 1/4 inch holes in a 1-2 inch steel pipe raised about 4-6 inches from the bottom of a wash tub (or whatever, I used an old gas BBQ grill) and bury it at the bottom of a small oblong wash pail). Extend the pipe about 1 foot outside the firebox and use an old hairdryer or paint peeler heat gun to supply the air. Works great with charcoal or coal. Make sure that if you plan to use coke that the bottom and sides are at least 6 inches thick. Allow to cure (be sure to spray lightly with water at lest twice daily) for a couple of days. Fire normally and have fun. This information is readily available on the internet. This is a cheap forge (<$100) that should last a few years until you are ready for a more 'professional' setup. Have fun

Have you looked into blast furnaceses or pot forges? These are two methods I know of that reduce metal contamination by contact with coal. If you pretreat the coal and burn straight coke you also reduce sulfer and other impurities. Also either method could be easily converted between gas and coal. I have seen some pdf files showing these techniques in the "Blacksmith's Manual, Illustrated". Hope this is of some use.

Just thought I would say greetings to all. I think I posted on a other thread by mistake but I do things like that. Keep up the good work here guys it looks like a lot of information. Ken

Greetings to all. Just thought I would say hello to everyone. I am new to both this forum and to blacksmithing in general. I currently prefer working with charcoal or coal forges as they are my only experience. I look forward to learning more about blacksmithing by taking clases at the Vista Gas and Steam museum here in sourthern California. I am not yet a member of the California Blacksmith Association but will be by the end of the month. Keep up the good work here and hopefully I will have some articles of my own to publish. Enjoy.