jbrmrz

If you're using dirt, it isn't a problem.  After you've fill the forge with dirt, you just scope out the area in front of the tuyere and pack the sides down with your hand.  I've never had any problem with "Mixing" nor with the hole keeping it's shape and size.

Thanks Gerald,

Some people that have a trough forge table use sand or ash and it is wetted and shaped like clay. After and firing of the forge the water drys and the sand or ash will harden in place some. Certainly not like cement but still pretty hard. The shape made will last a while and can easily be broken up with a hammer, wetted and re shaped as desired

Thank you, MLMartin.

RE: my "dumb" question, what I meant was, how do you keep the dirt and coal or coke from mixing and becoming a mess.

Thanks

I am in the planning stages of building my first solid fuel forge and I am really liking what I see here. Nice job Kubiak!!

However, I have what might be a dumb question, but nevertheless, here goes:

How do you keep the dirt in the bottom of the pan and pit from mixing and becoming a mess.

Is this a concern at all?

Thanks

Thanks for all the responses, your advice is truly appreciated.

Samcro and MTforge: thanks for the pictures. Both are very nice.

I especially like the side shields, MTforge.

Do either of those have smoke shelves in the chimney?

Thanks again

JB

Greetings,

I have been lurking on this site for several months and am hoping for some solid advice.

I am considering building a small smithy in my back yard which will be essentially a shed (for tools) and a large extended roof for my smithy.

I currently have a propane forge but want to build a coal or coke forge.

I am wondering though, will a side-draft chimney that is open on 3 sides, still draw when used in essentially an open environment.

Thanks

JB