Can you use coal in a forge?

Bituminous is the coal-of-choice for the blacksmith. It is a soft, mid-grade, black coal. Mined from deeper mines than lignite, it burns much more cleanly. When burning coal in the forge, we keep a “stock pile” of wet coal on the sides of the fire.

What is the best fuel for a forge?

Coal and propane are the most typical fuels used in blacksmith forges. On the East Coast, coal is readily available and therefore more affordable than on the West Coast. Coal burns more efficiently and hotter than wood. Because of its efficiency, the volume of coal needed is substantially less, too.

Is a coal or propane forge better?

Gas burns cleaner than a coal forge and is readily available. Some of the drawbacks to using gas is that it's noisier, and it makes the shop hotter in the summer time. Depending on the type of smithing that your doing gas is also generally considered more expensive than coal.

Can you use wood in a forge?

What kind of wood is best for forging? Any kind of dry wood will work: scrap pallets, small branches, firewood, old boards, etc. Avoid wood that may have been exposed to chemicals like pressure treated woods or pallets used for hazardous materials.

Do blacksmiths use coal or charcoal?

2. Bituminous Coal. What is this? This soft, black fossil fuel is the preferred forging coal of most blacksmiths.

Starting and maintaining a coal forge fire - basic blacksmithing

Can you cook on coal?

While there may still be some argument about it, most people in the know agree that food grilled over charcoal tastes better than food grilled over gas. Yes, gas grilling is quicker and more convenient, but when it's the weekend and you have all the time you need, charcoal is truly the way to go.

What burns hotter coal or coke?

Coal is a lustrous, black fossil fuel that includes impurities, generates smoke, and generates less heat than coke when burned. Coke is a dingy, black coal waste that burns hotter and cleaner.

What is forge Coke?

Premium Coke for Blacksmiths and Farriers

A clean burn and high heat output make this the fuel of choice when used on a traditional forge. Anvil Forge Coke is consistent and very clean, producing a hard compact clinker with very little ash residue.

Can you forge with a propane torch?

For this weekend, it's time to build yourself a miniature forge out of a propane torch and a fire brick. You should be able to get most of the parts for this build at your local hardware or appliance store. Having a forge will allow you to anneal knives, or even take up the hobby of blacksmithing.

What is the best refractory for a forge?

Highly flux resistant! This material works really well for coating an Inswool lined forge for protection against flux when forge welding. This is one of the most flux resistant coatings we have found to date!

Can you use a grill as a forge?

A cheap barbecue makes a surprisingly effective forge. The tube is attached to a camp-bed inflator fan which pumps air through the charcoal to superheat it.

How hot is a coal forge?

Blacksmiths cook the coal until most of the impurities are burned off. The result is coke, a fuel that is almost entirely carbon allowing us to reach temperature of 3,000 to 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit at the core of the fire! Fire this hot can quickly get the metal up to welding temperatures at about 2,500 degrees.

What fuel is used in a forge?

A forge typically uses bituminous coal, industrial coke or charcoal as the fuel to heat metal. The designs of these forges have varied over time, but whether the fuel is coal, coke or charcoal the basic design has remained the same.

At what temperature can you forge steel?

a. Hot forging of steel: The forging temperatures are above the recrystallization temperature, and are typically between 950°C–1250°C. Usually, one experiences good formability (i.e., filling of die-cavity in the context of forging), low forming forces, and an almost uniform tensile strength of the work-piece.

How do I make my forge hotter?

Is blacksmithing an expensive hobby?

Blacksmithing costs between $2,000 to $5,000 to start. It's a great hobby, but it can be a bit pricey. You need an anvil, hammers, a forge, tongs, vices, safety gear, and the right clothing before you begin. You will need a used metal or new steel.

How deep should a charcoal forge be?

Start by digging a foundation about 3-4 inches deep and 9-12 inches around. Put a piece of wood on top of your foundation then make sure it's level. Put a large brick at the bottom of your forge.