Here's a blacksmithing thread Derek.

If there is anybody here who does a little smithing, or has a smithing question this is the place. I am new at smithing but I can answer most questions. For me smithing is kind of an extension of timber framing as I will be making hardware for my own buildings and eventually for buildings for other people. I volunteer at Hancock Shaker Village, which is a great experience just by itself. All of the smiths there are really good, and have been teaching me.

Dave

That's a skill I'd love to learn. We've got a local hobbyist blacksmith who's made me a couple of "joist hangers" to correct a bearing issue. They look "right", very much a part of the frame where a bright steel set of strong ties would look glaringly wrong.

I look forward to seeing your pictures.

I have been dreaming of blacksmithing for years. A few years ago when I was a full time farmer, I learned to cut and weld steel to fix our farm machinery, but always yearned for a forge. I'm now in the process of moving away from my beloved farm, to a smaller place but I will still have plenty of room for timberframing and maybe this will be the time to set up a forge. Like Dave, I have a connection with a local living history museum and I've messed around with the forge down there... there is nothing like the glow of red steel when the day is winding down.

iforgeiron.com has a forge worth looking at... 55 Forge ©
by Glenn Conner... cheap/quick I hope I can give myself the kick in the ass I need to make one...

I'm glad the site was a help, it is about the best blacksmithing forum I've found so far. Although there are other sites with plenty of info as well. Nothing to it but to do it, as they say.

where the heck does one start looking for coal, I suppose ask a blacksmith???

EEEEWWWWWWW...
Ya, OK...

Couldn't help but put in a plug for our local blacksmith...They are doing some incredible custom work, and working with the local timberframe companies to produce some great complimentary pieces, hinges, timberstraps, etc...

http://www.kootenayforge.com/

Mark, I too had some difficulty locating good coal. I finally found it at Aubachon Hardware, which is probably local to the norhteast U.S. I would try local hardware stores, see if they can get it for you, or find a smith and bribe him to tell you his source. I have found it on the internet for $20 U.S. plus shipping for a 50 lb. bag. It is only $7.50 at the hardware store. You need low-ash bituminous coal (good, clean soft coal). Anthracite, or hard coal, will work ok for forging, but will give you trouble when you try to forge weld, in my experience. The propane forges are a great alternative as they light right up and don't offend the neighbors. I make a lot of hooks and I also made a nail header so I can make nails to go with them. I am going to try making some door hardware soon. Good luck.

Dave