Thanks Daswulf, Yes that does help. A lot. When i pulled this stuff up and on top of my flat stock, it cooled and turned into what looks like lava rock. Started pulling the stuff out and had more than i had coke and coal in the fire. I think I'll start with a clean forge. I use Charcoal that i made from oak to get my fire a good start, pushing the coal close to it to coke up. Hopefully when i go out there today i can get welding heat.
Yes KRS, I've seen that sight. He's an amazing young man. I've watched a lot of his videos along with many others from other craftsmen. The videos don't actually show someone pulling out hot clinker, but thanks for the input.
Thanks Glen, the stuff that i pulled out yesterday and cooled was brown and bubbly, like lava rock that i used to use way back when i was a landscaper. Now i know what to look for. I do appreciate this sight. I've learned a lot from just reading what you guys have to say. I wish there were some blacksmiths up in the northwoods of Wisconsin that i could visit and see what they are doing. A few farriers and a guy who seems real busy with work he does all over the country. I'm not really interested in shoeing horses so that's out.
Thanks again guys for taking the time to answer my questions. I've got three kids that want to learn the trade and they are looking to learn from me so i've got my work cut out. My youngest is 27. Not such a kid anymore but when you're 67 anybody under 40 seems like a kid. Lol.