Okay, this is my hubby, posting from my account:

"The biggest piece of advice i could give is just start. Building the ambition to start was the hardest part for me.

My forge was really cheap for me to make because i had most of the materials between my grandparents and my parents. The most costly things for me was the firebrick and anvil. I cant remember exactly how much it cost per brick but i know i spent over $100 on them. ( i also bought enough to expand my forge if desired). The next expensive piece was my anvil. 55lbs for $55 at harbor freight. This is by no means a good anvil but i feel it is perfect for starting out.

My grandfather burns coal to heat his house so i have no information on where to get coal (as i steal all mine from him :P). I can tell you that the coal that you would burn in a furnace is not the best coal to use in a forge (but works just fine if you have a free supply). As far a materials to use, pretty much anything. The biggest point of smithing to me is to be able to make something out of something else. I don't like to buy new to forge with. My favorite medium is railroad spikes. I use old re-bar or other scraps and cutoffs i can get at work for larger projects.

Also make sure to never use any Galvanized metal. When galvanized metal is heated it produces a toxic fume that can be very harmful.

The forge i made is very good for my situation and is unique to how i wanted it. if you want pictures and more information on what i did let me know and ill make a more detailed instructions for mine. Mine takes up quite a bit of space but requires no welding like many designs do.

i would recommend visiting /r/blacksmith and youtube.com for more information on how to make your first forge. Youtube has some amazing videos on how to make a forges of various designs, as well as beginners instructional videos.

After the forge you need very little to get started out. Just coal, hammer, anvil, tongs,or a piece of material long enough to work without using tongs. and you can substitute many things for a anvil. railroad track, large rock generally the heavier the better. Don't forget to wear PPE, i know it sounds corny but the last thing you want is a red hot ( or hotter in many cases) piece of iron hitting you in the eye. So at the very least safety glasses."