BASIC BLACKSMITHING EQUIPMENT
Coal vs. Propane Forge
A coal burning forge is historically the most commonly type of forge. A coal forge is easy to build, with some knowhow. Coal is smoky and smelly, especially when first lighting, but both smoke and smell clear up quickly. Bituminous coal is used by most blacksmiths. Coal may not be readily available in your area and will be more expensive the further you are from the source. Some state, municipal or HOA’s rules may prohibit coal forges, so check your local laws.
Coal forges come in many shapes and sizes and can be hand-made or factory made. Some sort of smoke stack system is required if the forge is located inside a structure. A coal forge will burn hotter and longer than a gas forge and gets hot enough to burn/melt the metal you are working on if you are not careful. In most cases coal forges reach forge-welding temperatures easily.
Charcoal is used as a fuel for blacksmith forges in areas where coal and propane are either not easily available or very expensive. Charcoal does not get as hot and requires a lot of fuel and constant airflow to heat and soften iron and steel.
Propane is usually easily obtained, more portable and cleaner than coal. It will get metal hot enough to forge, but may take longer to reach that forge-welding temperature. This also may depend upon the size of the gas forge. Propane forges are more complicated to build than coal forges, especially when it comes to the burners. Purchasing a commercial-made propane forge is always an option. There are a wide variety of shapes, sizes and numbers of burners for propane forges. Note: a propane forge can be noisier, sometimes producing a whooshing sound.
The best forge for you may depend upon what type you learned on. Also, as mentioned earlier, your choice may depend upon the availability of coal verses gas fuels or what the local regulations allow you to use.
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