[Glenn]

Reduce the air pipe from 2-1/2" (that is HUGE) to 1-1/4" in diameter (use another pipe). As Ron suggests, place the pipe maybe 1-1/2 to 2" from the bottom of the forge then add fuel to a depth of 6-8" above the top of the pipe.

You do not need all the air that the blower can produce. Disconnect the air pipe from the blower and then just aim the blowers air blast toward the air pipe. You can adjust the air stream to miss the pipe and there by reduce the amount of air going to the fire. Just be careful that the excess air does not blow onto the forge as the air currents can cause additional problems.

Blueprint BP0238 is of a side blast forge. I now lay the brick flat rather than on edge as the depth was not needed. Also look at Blueprint BP0232.

You have what appears to be 4" aluminum dryer vent for a chimney. See if you can find some 6" or even better 8" diameter stove pipe and about 6 feet long. This may mean cutting the opening in the top of the hood larger to accept the larger diameter.

If this forge smokes (all the smoke does not want to go up the chimney) cover both left and right sides between the hood and the forge.

With a deeper fire you will need less air to get the heat you need from the fire. The first image will give you an idea of how hot things can get in the middle of the fireball, and the amount of flame that is seen on the top of the fire. Remember that this has been burning a while and is at working temperature.

Keep us updated on your progress.