Setting up your first forge

[metal bender]

Coal forge is the traditional path and there's a lot to love about it , the fire management skill you develop is real, you can reach forge-welding temps more reliably and there's something about working coal that connects you to the craft. But gas is far more accessible for most people: easier to start, temperature control is simpler, no sourcing coal, and apartment/suburban smiths can run a small propane forge without the smoke situation.

For a beginner, I'd recommend gas unless you have a mentor who runs coal and can teach you fire management. You'll spend more time learning to smith and less time fighting your fire.

 

[Alan]

Coal teaches you more about fire but gas lowers the barrier enough that you can actually focus on hammer control and material work. For most beginners, that tradeoff makes a lot of sense.