SK-Buckwheat

Yep, I agree. If this particular design is made that is the case alright. The one that I looked at today and plan on building one similar to, the stack comes right into the top of the side draft hood and there is not a long horizontal run like in the link you had provided. But yes a valid point.

Also, if for any reason you get water that comes down the stack it does not end up immediately in your fire pot. :cool: You might also want to consider a low loss high velocity stack cap. Hope this link will work.

Yeah, I too have been contemplating as to what type of hood to build myself. I had been planning on a large overhead hood too until today. I just got back from seeing a new friend I have now that has been forging professionally now for 25 years. We got on the discussion of forge hoods when I seen that he was using a side draft hood on his forge as well. I questioned as to how well it worked, so he lit the forge to show me....I was very impressed. It really sucked fantastic. Sucking in this case is a good thing! Really had great draw on it. He had the walls of his shop painted white and they were still white, and it was painted 10 years ago. I am now going to build a side draft for mine.

Thanks for the input guys. I will be able to haul home about 4 1/2 tons. I spoke to the mine today actually and he will be e-mailing me pricing and specs on what they have the beginning of next week. With the cost of fuel hauling it home & including the cost of the coal I believe to be looking at close to $.22/lb. The distance of the drive really is not of concern but fuel is alright. One day to get there, load in the morning and back home that night. I drove & owned my own truck for 20 years when I retired from the highway back in February, 2 1/2 million miles was enough for me. I am at home now to watch my youngest "little girl" (13) finish growing up. Just doing welding locally around here now and getting into smithing. Might be able to make a couple bucks at it, and if not....oh well! It will be something I want to do anyway. I will keep all of you updated as things progress with this mission.

I was just wanting to get some opinions on this type of coal. I have not got an analysis on this yet. I will be tomorrow though. I know it is used in blast furnaces for steel manufacturing. Where I live there is no coal to be found near here except for lignite. To get the above mentioned, it is about 630 miles away, so if it will work reasonably well I will be bringing a few tons home, and probably sell some locally to people that are having the issue of finding decent coal like myself. I can get good coal 12 miles away from town, but after transport costs I am looking at about $58.00 for a 50lb. bag! Ouch! Please lend me your thoughts.

Hi everyone. I am finally getting into smithing. I have been wanting to do it for a number of years. Just working on getting the shop set up now over the last couple weeks here. Should have everything up and running here by the end of this month. I live in Saskatchewan, Canada.