ArtMetal

Hi everyone. I'm fairly new to blacksmithing, and am learning as I go. Right now I'm at a point that I'm ready to attempt forge welding. Up to now, I've been using gas or charcoal/wood mix in a forge, mostly for lack of material. The problem is that neither seems to get quite hot enough to raise the steel to welding temp.

My question is: Does anyone know how/where I can locate a coal supplier in North Carolina? Or, failing that, does anyone know of any blacksmithing groups/associations in North Carolina? I would appreciate any help.

--Paul Haber