Curious Mind Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Howdy....I am new to forging and have decided to build my own forge. The one thing I am having issues with is fuel. I have used coal in the past on other peoples forges but I am having an issue finding a reliable source in central Florida. Can commercial charcoal be used and will it get hot enough ? I have run around the net and I have gotten no where. Can anyone recommend an alternative ? Thanks In advance Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasent Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Lump charcoal and not brickets works great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Lump charcoal has been used for forging at least 2500 years, the viking swords were forged using charcoal! Around the high to late middle ages coal started to be used in parallel (Cathedral Forge and Waterwheel, Gies & Gies); but charcoal has continued to be used until this day, Traditional Japanese swords are still forges with charcoal. Lump charcoal; briquettes are a modern monstrosity! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles R. Stevens Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Construction scrap and branches about the size of your thumb make usable charcoal. Black powder forums can show you how to make premium charcoal. Pine and other low density wood works because it makes little ash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thats Hot... Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 12 hours ago, Curious Mind said: Howdy....I am new to forging and have decided to build my own forge. The one thing I am having issues with is fuel. I have used coal in the past on other peoples forges but I am having an issue finding a reliable source in central Florida. Can commercial charcoal be used and will it get hot enough ? I have run around the net and I have gotten no where. Can anyone recommend an alternative ? Thanks In advance Doug Call the Pioneer Settlement in Barberville. (386) 749-2959 100lbs. Bag for $35.00. Check out the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association. They are on FB and the web. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curious Mind Posted July 14, 2017 Author Share Posted July 14, 2017 Gentlemen, Thank you for all the information... all my questions have been answered and more. Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 1 hour ago, Curious Mind said: all my questions have been answered and more. Excellent! Now, go to your profile settings and add your location there. You've already seen how important that information is for answering questions, so you don't want to have to repeat it every single time! Welcome to IFI, and keep us posted on your progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curious Mind Posted July 14, 2017 Author Share Posted July 14, 2017 Location added.... Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 I would wager that there are some Blacksmith's organizations near you. If you can join one the chances are better than even they have coal to sell members. You might start here with the FABA. Look in the resources/clinker breaker area on that site. http://blacksmithing.org/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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