wolfe

Wolfe: I am down in the Rogue Valley in the hills northwest of Ashland.

Bill, I was just curious. Your along way from home, I live just outta Portland. Wolfe

Guys: I think I just need to clean out the tuyere, patch a few cracks and not be so stingy with the charcoal ... Will report once accomplished.

Bill, About where in Oregon are you located? Wolfe

That is really good. I'd like to know how you did that. Wolfe

Boy, I had a heck of a time getting past dull orange today with my charcoal washtub forge. It's a Tim Lively-style forge with an old Champion No. 40 blower and it took forever to get up to low forging temp. I'm going to clean out the tuyere and try some different fuel. I had been using conifer charcoal from slash burns, but today used a lot of Royal Oak hardwood charcoal, which I thought would burn hotter. But no.

I just used charcoal for the first time the other night and had a great time using it. I got up to @ 1800 degrees all other aspects worked out well. I used mesquite charcoal which puts out way to many sparks. I used much less air than when using coal/coke. In the near future I will use the charcoal brand name Cowboy. You can get it at Fred meyers or Home Depot, its supposed to work much better without that many sparks. I think that I would check out your blower, remember that you don't need nearly as much air as with coal/coke. Hope that helps. Wolfe

There are several Blueprints on how to start a fire.

BP0036 Fire and Smoke
BP0037 Fire and Smoke
BP0042 Fire and Smoke
BP0045 Fire and Smoke
BP0046 Fire and Smoke
BP0048 Fire and Smoke
BP0137 Fire Starter

Got any idea about "How to get into the Blueprints?" Wolfe

Hello, After joining IFI, the site asked for an interduction. My name is Mike Schmoker, I operate Wolfe Forge in Eagle Creek, Or. I have been blacksmithing for about 13 years, seriously for six years. I concider myself at an intermediate level of blacksmith & continuously work to improve with quality & knowledge. Every new task is a welcome challenge. I have mostly done historical reproduction & ornamental work and have recently started doing sculptoral work. I truly believe in a statement by OPB: "Stay Curious". As knowledge is everything. Thank you, Mike P.S. My friends call me "Smoke". :>)