desperate blacksmith on board... pardon the interruption

Hello gentlemen.

I was searching around for a local, or semi-local, source for bituminus blacksmithing coal, and I cam across a link to your forum.
I am now convinced that there is an internet forum for everything

I am in East Tennesee and work at blacksmithing as a hobby (not my day job).
I'm nearly out of coal and would be interested in finding a source near here where I could by a half-a-ton or so.
The stuff I usually get is great coal, but I can't help but to think I could get it cheaper in bulk than "by the bag".

It seems that most smiths prefer coal from the Pocahatas seam, but I'm not sure how important that is.
The coal I normally use is described like this:
"Metalurgical grade bituminus blacksmith coal -15,500 BTUs - cokes dry - low clinker - low ash - low sulfur."

Any good leads on where I might find a load? I'm near Knoxville, by the way.

Thanks in advance,

Don

Don A wrote:Hello gentlemen.

I was searching around for a local, or semi-local, source for bituminus blacksmithing coal, and I cam across a link to your forum.
I am now convinced that there is an internet forum for everything

I am in East Tennesee and work at blacksmithing as a hobby (not my day job).
I'm nearly out of coal and would be interested in finding a source near here where I could by a half-a-ton or so.
The stuff I usually get is great coal, but I can't help but to think I could get it cheaper in bulk than "by the bag".

It seems that most smiths prefer coal from the Pocahatas seam, but I'm not sure how important that is.
The coal I normally use is described like this:
"Metalurgical grade bituminus blacksmith coal -15,500 BTUs - cokes dry - low clinker - low ash - low sulfur."

Any good leads on where I might find a load? I'm near Knoxville, by the way.

Thanks in advance,

Don

I Don't know if this will help you they ship everywhere or try the second one below

http://www.penncoal.com/wst_page4.html

http://www.appaltree.net/aba/coal.htm

I can't imagine how the two very different types of coal can be dubbed "Blacksmith's" coal unless it is because they are low in an element deemed undesirable, such as Sulfur. I think any Anthracite is going to fit the bill...

Bob

RMA wrote:I can't imagine how the two very different types of coal can be dubbed "Blacksmith's" coal

Apparently the soft coal is much easier to fire, I had customer who did it as a hobby. He said the hard coal just didn't work right. Too hard to keep going or couldn't get it hot enough because of the way the furnace is set up. Not sure exactly what the issue was but he asked me about getting soft coal in bulk which of course I didn't have available.

The type of coal that will work best is usually determined by the forge in use.

Here are some sources:

http://www.anvilfire.com/gazette/index.htm

http://www.appaltree.net/aba/coal.htm

http://www.appaltree.net/aba/index.htm


These should get you started.



BigBarney

Most blacksmiths forges are open over the fire air Anthracite does not like over the top air Bit does Plus alot of that bit coal burns hotter then Anthracite 15.500 to 15.800 Hot stuff

Thank you for the input.

I've figured out that if I could borrow a good sized truck and make a run for WV, I would be in business.

I have forged with anthracite, but it won't "coke up" like bituminous.
When we need particularly high heat, as in forge welding, we often let the green coal "coke up" to form what looks like an igloo.
The top coal/coke acts as its own insulator and gives you an oven effect.
When you push it hard, the core will burn white... hot enough to burn your steel if you're not careful.

And yes, sulfur, ash, and clinker are the blacksmith's enemies. The less, the better.

Thanks again for the help.

Don

Penn coal is probably the best bet for coal.

Another supplier that ships small quanities is:

http://www.reboysupply.com/coal.htm

It is not cheap due to shipping.

Another option is to check with a live steam club or hobbiest near you. See what they burn. Perhaps you can go together a split a shipment to save money.

Try this link for info:

http://www.discoverlivesteam.com/A-clubs.htm

Don A wrote:Thank you for the input.

I've figured out that if I could borrow a good sized truck and make a run for WV, I would be in business.

I have forged with anthracite, but it won't "coke up" like bituminous.
When we need particularly high heat, as in forge welding, we often let the green coal "coke up" to form what looks like an igloo.
The top coal/coke acts as its own insulator and gives you an oven effect.
When you push it hard, the core will burn white... hot enough to burn your steel if you're not careful.

And yes, sulfur, ash, and clinker are the blacksmith's enemies. The less, the better.

Thanks again for the help.

Don

Hi Don, You can find some good Quality bit. coal near the Bristol area. You can also go north into Va. around the Lebanon area there is mining all over that area.

Thanks again.

I appreciate it.