Houaha Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 i have been using blacksmithing coal for my forge but i get it from a ways away and there is another place that sells coal closer but i think its only household coal is that ok to use in blacksmithing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt87 Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 Generally, no. It probably has a lot more sulfur, ash, and other junk you don't want. Of course, it may be anthracite ('hard') coal which may work. There are a few threads on here regarding using anthracite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houaha Posted August 24, 2008 Author Share Posted August 24, 2008 ok thx ill see if the place i know of has any good coal tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flaming S Forge Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 I have used anthracite coal since I started forging with satisfactory results. The nice thing about it is no smoke except when I use wood to get it started and no smell. I recently did a week long demo at our county fair. I had a fellow come up to me and ask what iI was using for fuel. He said he could always smell a blacksmith's forge but couldn't smell mine. The key to anthracite is good quality. I am fortunate to live in a coal mining county with a good supply of local high quality coal. Forge welding is tricky since it doesn't produce coke as the coal burns. the carbon content is higher which helps me case harden mild steel for chisels and punches. My advise would be to try some if you can get a small amount and see how you like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike BR Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 I don't live in New England, but I've heard that Aubuchon Hardware stores carry usable coal or can get it. It looks like they've got New Hampshire pretty well covered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houaha Posted August 25, 2008 Author Share Posted August 25, 2008 the first time i used my forge i used some old coal my grandparents used for a coal stove i think it was anthracite coal but that was my first time so i don't know if its better or not lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave M Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 I use the coal from Aubuchon all the time. It is good blacksmith coal from the pocahontas vain # 3, I think it is called saint nicholas coal. Aubuchon stores are located all over New England including NY. Also check the sticky at the top of this forum for the coal supplier list I am trying to build with all of the help I can get from members, you may find another supplier located by you. If you find and use a new supplier not on the list please add them to the list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Without having tried the coal you are looking at we can't say; we're only guessing. My suggestion is to try a bit, see if they have a broken bag you could get cheap or a 5 gallon bucket worth if they sell in bulk. if it works well then you're ok if it works poorly then don't buy anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houaha Posted August 25, 2008 Author Share Posted August 25, 2008 ok i got 200lb of chestnut sized anthracite coal for $39USD which should mean i could get a ton for $390USD, i think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Usually the price goes down up at the ton level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houaha Posted August 26, 2008 Author Share Posted August 26, 2008 i would hope so Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metal Head Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 for any interested,on ebay a gentleman in santaquin, utah sells soft bituminous coal,just put in item #360079300495,he sells 100#,50#,and 25#.good for those on the west side of the continental divide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houaha Posted August 28, 2008 Author Share Posted August 28, 2008 lol to bad for me but i like the anthracite coal better then the blacksmithing coal i had to get my dad to drive me 80 miles to get, lol, its cheaper to and its a larger size Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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