Does anyone use a coal forge?

My little brother does black smith work, he's up in the UP of Michigan, he has a complete shop he dug up out in the woods at an old lumber camp. He found it with a metal detector.

When do you need to know, I can see if he can help.

I was just wondering what fuel he is using, I heard that all coal does not work well.

He uses coke, I remember that much from when he gave me tour of his shop when I came back from Germany in 1992.

He uses both a manual and electric bellows depending on what he's doing. The coke does a good job, he had a 3x3x12 inch piece of steel white hot in 10-20 minutes. He bent it for me for my receiver hitch.

Do you think Pepsi would work as well? :

Just joking, I would think that Coke would be easier to obtain in the UP. Where I live it is a bit difficult to produce in sizeable quantities. (Something about the smoke)

[Kenny_S]

Rick, Those I know that have them in SEK uses coke. One has started wearing a respierator due to the Fumes. I guess if you blacksmith much the fumes would be harmfull. Enjoy watching. Had a couple of cooking items forged from one for camping. Still have the tripod for holding dutch ovens. Guess I should donate it to the Scouts.

Dave here's a suppliers list I found on google. None have websites, just phone numbers and addresses

http://www.artmetal.com/project/TOC/COALCOKE.HTM

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Get hold of Capt Bandaid...he is a blacksmith ....if I understand it right, coke is nothing more than pre-burned coal.... ???

Worked in a blacksmith shop for a winter while in high school. Never got past the sweeping the floor and sharpening plow shares stage before I decided there had to be an easier way to make a living. Anyway the boss man had a coal forge and used small chunks of 'hard' (I think the proper name is anthracite sp?) coal, about ping pong ball size or smaller as I recall. He bought it in 50 lb sacks. Have no idea where.

[Captain_Bandaid]

Forging: Rick, why not use a gas fired forge? I have a commercially made one but you can build one for under $50. They run on 20Lb propane bottles like your BBQ uses. Mine is a single burner and a 20 lb bottle lasts about 20 hours. No smoke, no fumes. They do not get quite as hot as a coal forge and forge welding can be difficult in a gas forge. However, that is why I have my little Lincoln AC225. For forge plans, go to www.anvilfire.com or www.dfoggknives.com. If you have questions, email me at quenchcrack at hotmail dot com.