I have an electric blower that I'd like to use for my forge. Do you guys think that a foot-pedal operation (like a sewing machine) would be worth it to install? Sorry if this isn't where it should be.

A foot operated switch is for most people ideal. You don't need the "throttle" control as in a sewing machine, that may in fact hurt the blower motor, but a press on, lift off type of switch will save your coal.

Ok. Thanks for the input. It's funny how we think we've got a clever idea and someone else has already done it! Independent invention and whatnot.

If your blower uses a universal motor then the throttle control will be fine with it and can help.

SOFA has foot control blowers on their shop forges that you have to keep pressure on to keep the air flowing---saves a lot of coal and steel for beginners as they can't switch it on and forget it! (they also have an over ride switch so you can get always on for things like billet welding.)

I am considering a click on and click off foot pedal. I can carry the steel to the fire and step on it to start the air and then when I return to take it off step on it to turn it back off. I often return the steel to the fire to heat and go pick and place the next tools etc. then my hands may be full and it means I leave the blower on when not necessary as my hands are occupied. Has anyone had any luck finding a foot switch like this? Of course I am looking for cheap if possible.

Moblacksmith: Radio Shack sells such a switch. You'd need to mount it in an enclosure and potentially solder the connections but they're pretty common.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049717&znt_campaign=Category_CMS&znt_source=CAT&znt_medium=RSCOM&znt_content=CT2032230

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12708877&znt_campaign=Category_CMS&znt_source=CAT&znt_medium=RSCOM&znt_content=CT2032230

If you go with the more expensive one, it'll likely last longer. Bear in mind that none of these are particularly heavy duty or dust proof. Mounting it hip height may work better so you can bump it on and off without it laying in the walk way.

also check a napa parts store and or another parts store they might have what you need (I say napa because my dad owns one and has a large selection of switches)
plus most of there switches are made for the trucking and farming industries

I have a 200 CFM electric blower (squirrel cage fan) that I use with a Harbor Freight foot-operated on-off switch. That part seems to work well.

I found that my blower blows too hard, at least with a new fire (it'll blow coal out of the firepot) so I rigged a pivoting "lollipop" of sheet metal that I can adjust to partially cover the air intake of the fan, to regulate the amount of air blowing.

I have used a foot operated switch in a deadman configuration (foot must be down or it shuts off) and it worked well for me. Just match the fan power to the rating of the switch.

Thanks for the link Rockstar I will look into it. I have found industrial versions but they ar epricey.