I am putting together a forge soon for blacksmithing and was wondering if anyone knows of sources for soft coal in or within a couple hours of Pitman, NJ (south Jersey by Philadelphia).  I know of some online sources but would like to avoid shipping charges.

Have you tried doing a google search fo "coal suppliers near pitman, nj"?

I came up with a list of 8 near you, with your likely best option in Ben Salem, PA.

You'll need to check one of them for your options.

Most soft coal is exported since many area now prohibit its use.

Posted By linster on 06-14-2012 10:35 PM
I am putting together a forge soon for blacksmithing and was wondering if anyone knows of sources for soft coal in or within a couple hours of Pitman, NJ (south Jersey by Philadelphia).  I know of some online sources but would like to avoid shipping charges.

Thank You,

David

     List by state.    Road Trip!


         

Blacksmith's Gazette Coal Sources

The farriers in our area use propane and carry the forges in their trailers.

I don't work with horses feet I just work with steal and such at home.

I have looked all over google but have not had much luck.

I was told that most people in my area go to Lancaster County, PA but no one can give me a town or company name.  All my google searches have turned up nothing.  Maybe there just aren't any left

Click the link Scooter provided. Breaks it down by state.
Multiple choices in NJ and PA.


http://www.fholder.com/Blacksmithing/coal.htm

I have already been there and the local spots for my area seem to no longer exist.  It was a great resource but they need to update.

Posted By linster on 06-15-2012 02:33 PM
I have already been there and the local spots for my area seem to no longer exist.  It was a great resource but they need to update.

  Sign of the times.....................

Have you checked www.blacksmithsupplies.net ?

They have information on all the different forge fuels and the advantages of each.

Posted By Woodchuck on 06-16-2012 11:27 AM
Have you checked www.blacksmithsupplies.net ?

They have information on all the different forge fuels and the advantages of each.

     Link to Woodchucks suggestion.

         

Blacksmith Supplies

I have been to the Blacksmith Supplies site and found it to be a great resource but nothing about where to find the coal I need. I know there is a big discussion about coal vs gas and many opinions on both sides. I have decided to get started with coal for now because I cant afford a gas forge plus I have already bought a coal forge that I am rebuilding. I already know of several sources for soft coal online and will use them if I need to but would prefer to find a place I could pick it up and cut down on shipping expense. For some reason I have a very difficult time finding coal dealers that also have a webpage so google has not been very helpful. Several people locally have told me about coal dealers in Lancaster county PA which is only about an hour or so from me but no one can give me an address or business name. So here I am stuck sorta.

Posted By linster on 06-17-2012 02:50 PM
I have been to the Blacksmith Supplies site and found it to be a great resource but nothing about where to find the coal I need. I know there is a big discussion about coal vs gas and many opinions on both sides. I have decided to get started with coal for now because I cant afford a gas forge plus I have already bought a coal forge that I am rebuilding. I already know of several sources for soft coal online and will use them if I need to but would prefer to find a place I could pick it up and cut down on shipping expense. For some reason I have a very difficult time finding coal dealers that also have a webpage so google has not been very helpful. Several people locally have told me about coal dealers in Lancaster county PA which is only about an hour or so from me but no one can give me an address or business name. So here I am stuck sorta.

Using your words I bolded above in Google Search I found ......

http://nepacrossroads.com/about22508.html

http://nepacrossroads.com/about12838.html

http://home.ptd.net/~spenser4/lcsf1.html#FUEL

Just for starters

Good resource, should do the trick. Thanks.

Hi Linster

Back home in St. Louis, there were several suppliers of Bituminous Coal, but none of them listed it as such.
Try using Fireplace Coal in your search engine instead of Blacksmith Coal and I think you will be surprised.
Places like McCloskey's Garden and Hearth
419 E High St, Williamstown, NJ 08094
and Alliance Chimney & Energy
827 Aubrey Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003
Sell coal. There were numerous other listings but not clear if they sold coal or just fireplaces.

TTUL
Gary

I want to thank everyone for helping me out with this. I drove out to Lancaster County PA and bought a ton of loose coal since it was a little cheaper that way, now I have to build a coal bin so I have some place to put it. The shop is coming along and I should be pounding iron before the end of July. Thanks again. David

Glad to hear another success story. I'd love to have a blacksmith shop in my yard. Looking forward to see what rises out of the flames in your shop.

Glad to hear you found the coal, please post some pictures of your shop.