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The Idiot Proof Coal Forge |
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Written by Jeffrey D. Knight
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Page 5 of 5
 Keeping this in mind, I believe that in functionality this design gets high marks particularly in the hands of the lazy, incompetent, and/or sloppy. I used to carefully clean out the firepot after each use to make certain that I always started with a clean fire, particularly while welding. I would meticulously screen the coke coming out of the pot for reuse, a task that makes cleaning sewer lines look fun (I know; I've done both!). Then one day in the spirit of experimentation I decided just to leave everything in the pot but the gargantuan doughnut shaped clinker that forms in my forge, for the next fire. Trying to see just what the limit of crud was that could remain in the fire without hampering function or spoiling forge welds, it appeared that the design of the firepot with the tuyere as the highest spot on the pot floor allowed the entire floor of the pot to function as a crud reservoir which simultaneously moves the crud away from the air blast so as not to reintroduce it into the fire. The experiment went so well that I haven't cleaned out the pot except for clinker extraction in three years. During those three years I've completed many Damascus knives as well as many other forge welds with fine results be it in the first hour or the twelfth hour of the fire. Furthermore, in those three years I haven't had to flip a clinker breaker, pry a clinker out of the way, or monkey with the tuyere or airway once, with the exception of pulling the clinker out at the close of the day.
Every smith finds some forge set-up that is preferred, this is understandable. I believe, though, that I can speak on behalf of humanities slovenly, careless, lazy blacksmiths when I say this thing's darn near idiot proof!HAPPY HAMMERING! Jeffrey D. Knight
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The Elektric Anvil