Smoke inhalation is no fun.

[mark hendricks]

This was first posted by me in July on some of the bladesmithing boards.

I suffered smoke in halation on 6/24/06 while working in my forge. I’m better now, but I thought I’d share how it happened to hopefully help someone else avoid injury.

I use 2 solid fuel forges in side a small metal shed, with 6” flues attached to hoods made from a 55 gallon barrel. The incident happened when I was changing tasks. I finished working in a blade and wanted to weld some cable. I added some 2x4 scrap to make “rafters” for a cap of corn. When I added the corn the fire billowed a huge amount of smoke, filling the small space. I made a hasty exit. Not hasty enough, I inhaled enough smoke, that by Monday I was coughing up phlegm Tuesday I had coughing fits and trouble working Wednesday I went to see a doctor.

I think that larger flues are the answer to my problem, along with a roof vent to remove any smoke that the hoods miss.

Any suggestions are welcome.

As of today I have moved my forging equipment to a larger space and finialy ordered some 12" flue pipe.

[ApprenticeMan]

That 12" chimney pipe will be your godsend, run THAT above rofline and you will be able to throw cigarette butts into your fire and watch them shoot up and out hehe. I am glad you are ok.