I finally saw a working forge at the old blacksmith shop in Lancaster

They had a guy there last weekend who still shoes horses the old way, with a coal fire and hand tools. It made me realize how much we rely on gas forges and electric grinders now. Do any of you still use a coal forge for your daily work?

4 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In

4 Comments

oliviatorres5mo ago

Honestly, that line about relying on gas and electric tools now is so true for everything. I see it with people who can't even fix a loose cabinet door without a battery drill. It feels like we've lost the basic skill to just use our hands.

5

the_elizabeth5mo ago

Wait, but a screwdriver is using your hands too though. It's just a different tool.

4

andrewwilliams5mo ago

Eh, a battery drill gets it done in ten seconds. I'm not sure we need to make a moral stand over cabinet hardware.

2

ryan7935mo ago

That shop in Lancaster is a neat place. But for a full time farrier, the math gets tough. How many more horses could you shoe in a day with a quiet propane forge you can set up anywhere, versus hauling coal and managing a fire?

4