Forge building. I have been forging things for many years now. Not always on the best of forges. Some times it was a railroad tie or a block of steel. I have even nailed heavy metal plates to a stump to make an anvil face.
From here I have worked in a few well built forges, and have envied the smiths tools, and shop setup. So I have taken things I have liked from them, and try to apply them to my own setup.
Gas forge is my preffered method of forging. I have worked with coal, coke, and charcoal. As well as standard wood with a blower. Personal prefference is gas. No chasing my hotspots around. No clinkers! And it is easy to start up and shut down for dinner.
Currently in use is two forges, one is made from a coffee can, the second larger one is made from a ponykeg. Both use a forced air propane gas fuel source. Lined with ceramic K wool, and coated with stove cement.
My Forges
Workshop
Power Hammer Project
As every blacksmith dreams, a Power hammer. In this day and age, the tireless days of swinging a hammer over and over and over, to forge that fine pattern welded steel blade are but an ease with a power hammer. An assisstant that does not complain or grow tired, just swings, and swings, right in the same spot every time. Ahh a good smith's dream. So a power hammer is a good start to this dream.