JTadeo28

Alright so the new pipe system is working great but I am burning through charcoal like mad. I bought a brake drum and that has given me some great control, and hotter temperatures. I need a better fuel source. Any suggestions?

Thanks andy for telling me about the zinc poisoning. I ditched the galvanised and bought some 1" black pipe. That has given me a HUUUGE increase in airflow and I simplified the pipe system. I'll be back tomorrow with some more questions once I test out this new air system. Thanks.

Also I heated up some steel to dark orange with it, but it cooled to black very quickly. It took about 5 - 8 minutes for that. I expirimented with twisting and folding, and made a fork! I was wondering what do you need to make your own charcoal? And the steel I use is about 1/6 - 1/10 of an inch thick. I really like the design that andy has, but I am wondering if it would be cheaper just to buy a forge. I feel like I am going to be spending a lot of money, and I wonder if buying one would be cheaper. I would also like to know where I could learn to make knives online? There are no blacksmiths in my area, and I really want to make a knife. Thanks guys.

Also what kind of pipe should I use and where would I get it?

Thanks guys. I have some things to improve on before i get hammerin'

Wow thank you guys for replying! I will attach pictures to this comment to show you my forge. First is the forge ready to be lit: This is my charcoal and anvil (vise): This is to show the pipe system for the air supply: And here are some tools that I use for forging:

Hello this is my first forge and my first time blacksmithing, and i have some questions: how long should it take a small charcoal forge to get a thin piece of steel to glow yellow hot? I have a hair dryer running through 3/4" galvanized pipe to right under the pile of lazzari mesquite lump charcoal, is that sufficient for thin pieces of steel? How much charcoal do I need to pile for a day of blacksmithing? How can I make the charcoal last longer once it's burning? Thank you. Also are there any blacksmiths near moorpark, CA?