You might find that trying to start anthracite coal with a map has torch a little tough. Might want to start with come charcoal or smaller wood fire then start adding in the anthracite once that is going. Also anthracite coal needs more and more constant air to keep it going. Most prefer bituminous coal but the anthracite at tsc is all they can locate affordably. 

I'll give it a shot. not gunna get a fire going today. if this was a couple hours ago I'd give it a go but it's to late in the day now. but the forge is done. only took trying to put a round peg in a square hole every step of the way but it's done. 

 

Something about that color says you should add an "In Case of Fire, Break Glass" label.

yea I can see that. when I bought the box 6 years ago I didn't thing I'd ever be turning it into a forge and anvil stand. hope the bottom box holds up. can't find any stumps tall enough. plus I like the idea of this all being able to be easily moved around. the box was just some 100$ El chepo starter tool box I bought when I was first starting out as a mechanic. (I've worn many hats) 

I can see in your future a table to replace that box so you can have extra fuel around to take into the fire pot. But it'll get you started. 

eventually id like to go gas. but this was the easiest way to get started. and i have alot to learn about forge design and operation before i attempt to build a gas forge. so hopefully by the time id like a table to have extra fuel ready to go into the fire ill be ready to build a nice gas forge

well the forge is working. got some cheap charcoal from walmart to start the thing. got some metal in it now. I'm kinda just beating on it to see what happens really

Cheap lump or cheap briquette?  Lump is a whole lot superior!  Actually making your own is better than briquettes even if you are transferring hot coals from a wood fire.

Show us pictures of what you make! If it's not immediately obvious, tell us what it was supposed to be!

40 minutes ago, ThomasPowers said:

Cheap lump or cheap briquette?

just some cheap insta light. smells like they were soaked in lighter fluid. it got the coal started is all that matters tho

 

14 minutes ago, JHCC said:

Show us pictures of what you make!

all I did today was try to make a 6 inch 1/4 inch thick peice of steel a thinner peice of longer steel 

so im happy. found a nicholson file in my driveway. one of the nice big ones in great shape too. just a little surface rust but noting a wire brush cant take care of 

Get a file card and learn to draw file and you will be on your way! 

it's the nicest file I have now (witch is saying something considering I bought a crap ton of harbor frieght ones the other day O.o )

I dunno how you just find a file in your driveway without knowing who was there that lost it. Good for you tho. I get files all over for dirt cheap. Auctions in box lots, fleamarkets, the restore when they are too nice to pass up.... 

I passed on hf files. They are junky. And expensive for what they are. 

I figured I'll give em a shot. and if nothing else the bigger ones I can stick in the forge