The smell of coal smoke often evokes wistful memories of the past. I am often reminded of this by visitors to my shop as they talk of pleasant times and carefree youngsters watching the blacksmith ply his trade. “My grandfather was a blacksmith” has been repeated time and again with pride by some of the folks who are drawn in by their sense of smell.
Experiences like these are becoming fewer and further between. Modern fuels have changed the look, feel and smells of the blacksmith shop. Modern propane forges have become the norm. There are even electric induction forges that remove still more noise and smell from the shop. The modern forges are much simpler to operate as well.
So, with all the cleaner ways to heat material, is there any compelling reason to use coal as a forge fuel? I will try to point out a few reasons why I still use coal and why I believe it still has
