Mango Matto

Thank all of you for your replies. I found that two things were causing my issues. The first was that I didn't start with enough fuel. and the second was that I had too much air blowing. I opened the tuyere and that allowed some of the air to blow out of the bottom thus not forcing it all into the forge. After doing that and filling it with corn I saw the most beautiful color metal I have ever seen, bright red/orange. I am well on my way to making my first knife. I will start a thread in the appropriate sub forum to show how that goes.
Thanks
Mango Matto

Sorry to be uneducated but what is a tuyere?

They were briquettes. I'll go buy some of that stuff tomorrow and give it a try.
Thanks

Here are more pictures. I used regular cooking charcoal that didn't get nearly hot enough at all, then I read about using corn and that got much hotter. I filled the drum up to the top with corn but it seems like I have to keep adding and adding it and my train spike still doesn't get red hot. I put the spike where the flame looks the hottest. I put it in the flames and above the flame. My theory behind the top drum was to keep more heat in and its second purpose was to keep embers from blowing out. I don't think airflow is a problem since it can practically blow corn right off the grate. at first I thought I had too much airflow causing the fuel to burn too fast and then I lowered it and it seemed to work better but I'm not sure what the best amount of airflow is. I think I answered most of the questions. Let me know your thoughts

I built one of those world famous brake drum forges, and I can't get my metal hot enough. I am using an automotive air blower and I have tried charcoal and whole corn and neither have given me any success at getting red hot metal. I may set it up with natural gas at some point but I want to start with solid fuel. I attached a photo of my setup. I know I'm doing something wrong but I have no clue how to figure out what it is.
Thanks

Welcome to the site, what part of Houston are you from?

Hey everyone,
I am new to the hobby. I have always loved making things so I think it will be an extension to my love of tinkering. I look forward to learning from all of you.
Thanks for having me!!!!