Levi761

Thanks for the input everyone. And AndrewOs, I have a local shop that sells coal so I was planning on using coal. You suspect charcoal would be easier, but is there any drawback for using coal with this forge? I had thought coal had a more localized heat with a little crustyness that gets on top, also less radiant heat, so I can get closer without burning myself. Also, I'd hate to catch a tree on fire with the charcoal sharks flying around. This will be my first attempt at forging, and wanted to plan everything to be safest. All the answers for my questions probably have already been answered, so I search and read threads everyday. Figured I'd ask while I'm searching. Ill try to find the pros and cons of diffrent solid fuels, something I should have considered more.

I've been wanting to get into smithing for some time now. I've been collecting all the things I need; anvil, tools, even building a shed. I was planning to build a brake drum forge, until my Grandmaw bought me a rivet forge from a sale. So now im going to use it. First though, it will need some work. I'm going go take it all apart and clean it. But my main problem it the hand pump mechanism. Not quite sure what the correct term is. I was planning on winging it together, using the guess and see if it works technique, but figured I'd ask if anyone knows what I need. Hopefully save some time and aggravation and doing the same thing over and over until its good enough to make me happy. Any suggestions for: - Lenght of handle - Distance on handle for connection to forge, and also the thing that turns the wheel. - Distance offset from rim of forge - Should I clay this forge? - Anything else I need to know Also, anyone know the maker, or date period for this forge?