air in the fire

[easilyconfused]

Originally Posted by Strine

I dunno about the extra clay. It seems to me from the photo with the squirter tape that it would be deep enough without it. Just tack it/bolt it or otherwise join it to a plate to fit inside the wheel. Leave a bit of the wheel proud of the plate and you have storage for fuel.

What about burning out the pot...no worries...knock up another one.

My sentiments exactly. The picture may be decieving, but it looks deep enough that you would be wasting fuel on smaller pieces. I use charcoal in my forge at home and the fire pot is only 4-5" deep and I weld upto 1/2" easily and work upwards of 1". I made a long pot though and welded up some plate so that I can have whatever width of fire pot by sliding the sides along and unblocking other air holes for longer pieces too which gives me more fuel management control and I can get a very focused fire then by sliding them together.

I find the key is to maintain the fire underneath the piece because charcoal burns out fast. I find that pushing the piece into the fire from the top instead of sliding it in helps keep a fresh bed of coal under it and then working embers in from the side. Once you get used to a charcoal fire, don't be surprised if you get told you are fussing too much when you join a demo that's using coal.

[Bibble]

This has been the most informative thread on coal forges for me ever, and i just so happen to have a wheel lying about in the shed, collecting dust.
New Charcoal forge, here i come!

[IronPuppet]

That's good, Bibble. I hope you are able to post photos of your progress.

Sounds like your up for some serious fun!

Christopher