Everything I have done so far has been with good intentions...but mixed results. Yesterday I used some coke from a project 25 years ago. Since I know nothing there is ALL to learn. Well the coke idea was a bust! Maybe too large or too something...never could get it going really good. The pieces I had were about grapefruit size so I reduced them with a hammer. Still not good enough. Then I opened the holes in the tuyre / firebox...still no good. Hopefully I will get coal this afternoon or tomorrow.
I am building all of my tools, I think. Not good enough heat for the metal yet...unless inside the shop with oxy/acet or welders. This week has been busy...forge..hardy tools:cutoff, spring fuller, spring swage 1/2in, multi-position bender forks, 1in swage block...weather will be cool this weekend