Once upon a time coal forges were the only way farriers and blacksmiths forged their steel. In modern times gas forges have taken the stage as their size is more manageable and transportable, fuel is more readily available, and forging became faster and more efficient. Because of this, coal forging has become more of an art form than industry practice. More and more, people have become less aware of it as an option and even less about actually using one. But the interest is still out there, and we want to help encourage it!

So we have partnered with a few experienced farriers to put together a night of education and some hands on practice. Weather you are curious and want to see it in action, motivated and want to set up your own, or experienced and want to broaden your knowledge, this Forge Night is for you!

We will kick off the night with a presentation with headliner Kevin Mead, who is not only is experienced with coal forging, but has built many forges as well! He will be covering many topics, including but not limited to:

• Breaking down the elements of a coal forge and how it works.
• How to operate the forge efficiently by controlling the heat and proper steel placement.
• Coal vs coke vs propane: pros and cns.
• What is a side block forge?
• Costs involved with obtaining, using and maintaining a forge.
• Working as a team on a single forge.

After the presentation we will split into groups around each coal forge workstation. Each workstation will have an experienced farrier there to help guide and instruct. What will be covered and forged at each station will be up to that group! (instructors my float between stations to help out where needed.)

Kevin Mead, Ty Garner & Heath McGhee are confirmed instructors. Ocala's Farrier Supply will provide L-Brand forging coke for the evening.

If you have a coal forge you can bring to set up and/or are experienced enough with coal forging to help run a workstation, and you would like to get involved, let us know! Call (352) 456-7888.