I picked up my first forge, which is a lot bigger than I wanted, but the price was right. It came with the Buffalo 201 blower and 5 tongs of
assorted types. I even got a railroad rail anvil and a bucket of coal, I have trouble passing on good deals.
After reading two books and past comments from iforgeiron, I felt ready to get the fire lit. The third try was a success. I think I had to break up the coal into much smaller pieces than were in the 50lb bag. If you see the pictures I dragged the forge to the open part of the barn. That would have been okay if the wind didn't blow the smoke back into the barn...what a mess. I'm sure glad no one was around and no one called the fire department. I was told the coal was bituminous, but I think it was something else, something evil.... Well, after grabbing all fans that I had, I was able to get the forge going to what I thought was correct. I had a small rod of some sort and started to get it hot, Started to make something and it turned out to be a pot hook for the wife. I think it took a million heats, but in the end, at least she is happy, I survived my first endeavor in blacksmithing, and I learned a lot. I'll be moving far outside for the nest try and will pay attention to what direction the wind is blowing. In this case, it is okay to laugh at others (mine) misfortunes.
Just a few questions that I was not sure about...I was wondering if the fire pot is too deep, it is 5 1/2 inches deep. If so should I use fire brick or something else, any suggestions. I was also wondering if there is a way to hot cut without a hardie. I used an old chisel like thing I found on the farm ( which broke) for this first piece, Anything better? Also, anyone know anything about this cast iron forge, I can't see
any markings?