I am all new to this and it is my first forge. Champion 242 forge @ 20x30 cast iron base with blower and 6 pair of tongs were given to me recently. The forge was full of mortor that was cracked and the grate( think there is another name for it but all new to me) was broken out. I cleaned the mortar out and replaced the grate with a cast iron floor drain cover. Oiled the blower, and it seems to work fine.
My question is do I need to line the cast iron with something?
Doug