It would be a good idea to Google "Blacksmith coal forge". Read the articles and look at the commercial products that come up. Also use the "images" option to get more pictures of home made and commercial forges.
Forges can be made in a very simple manner if $$ are an issue. If you want to use a traditional style fire pot and have fabrication skills, you can easily make a forge similiar to those you would find in blacksmith schools. Look at commercially available forges to see what style you might like. A fire pot can be fabricated, or purchased, and installed in a simple tray with legs. If your forge is going to be inside, you will need a chimney of some type to draw smoke. A side draft chimney has been proven to work best for a lot of folks.
You will need a blower of some sort. Hand cranked and electric blowers can be found at conferences (tailgating), on eBay or from commercial sources.
If you live in an urban area with close neighbors, a coal fire may be a problem. I'm told that, in that situation, coke is better than coal (less smoke). Even if the neighbors are not close, smoke and odor will hang in the air if there isn't a breeze to disperse and carry it away.
If smoke is a problem, a simple propane gas forge can easily be constructed as an alternative. Googling for information for them is also a way to learn about how to make those also.
Last edited by Dave Hammer; 06-28-2011 at 02:59 PM.
Grandkids and blacksmithing... Joy Joy Joy
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