Forge coal

[720 popper]

Does it take special coal to use in a forge? Would charcoal work?

 

[Janicholson]

Charcoal will not get hot enough to make the process easy. 1" to 1.5" anthracite hard coal is the real deal, or coke. (not pepsi) Jim

 

[720 popper]

Thanks for the info

 

[gene bender]

I know some will use Charcol but the coal made for the forges is best. Thin pieces would work but the best is the coal. Look around you can find it. If we can get it here in Iowa you should be able to find some.

 

[WJD]

If it like the rest of the metal industry you will need metalerigal (sp?). Other coal may work but will not get as hot.

 

[JRSutton]

Really depends on your airflow - and how hot you need to get.

Smaller coal burns hotter and faster, just because more oxygen can get to it.

Likewise - even large coal will burn hotter if you blast more air across it.

 

[JRSutton]

Really depends on your airflow - and how hot you need to get.

Smaller coal burns hotter and faster, just because more oxygen can get to it.

Likewise - even large coal will burn hotter if you blast more oxygen across it.

 

[Goose]

My dad always got blacksmithing coal for his forge.

I have no idea where to find it nowadays. Might try Googling it.

 

[gitrib]

Over the years I have done a lot of forge work making ornametal iron. to be successful. You should use low sulpher hard coal. I if you are going to weld two pieces you must use a flux. If you heat the metal tempeture right they will join together(weld with very little hammering. My son at twelve years old could demenstate before a crowd of people. gitib

 

[armand tatro]

Where are you located? Go to iforgeiron which is a blacksmithing forum. Lots of good and usefull information. Be sure to list your location as they have many members (yes even world wide) and you may have a working smith within 50 miles or less of you. What is your main interest in forging? If you have not figured me out by now Yes I am a member of iforgeiron and am located just east of the 292 I57 exit at Ashkum, Il. At the Central States Thresher show at Pontiac, Il, last fall I found a coal source someshere around Streator, Il or a bit north but do not have the contact info. handy. Armand

 

[720 popper]

I live in northern North Dakota. Bought a forge with blower for $15 and a book written by a blacksmith with all kinds of projects (copywrite 1895) and would like to try some of the neat projects. For example, how they could write on the metal they used for grave markers. Those old boys knew their chemestry and metals! I will go to that form. Thanks.

 

[GeneMO]

http://www.penncoal.com/wst_page4.html

I searched a few months ago and found a good number of adds for places selling it.

I never actually bought any as the project I was working on fell through.

Good luck, Gene

 

[buickanddeere]

Any HomeHardware store in Ontario can order forge coal by the bag. There is a dealer in Heidburg Ontario.

 

[greygoat]

The question has been asked here before. Try a
search.