DonLC

Thank you Frosty! I do remember seeing a post about breaking up lump charcoal. Didn't extrapolate that to the brickettes I've been using. Makes sense though. I'll do that the next time I fire up.

Here is a photo of a narrower restacked configuration. Now only about 3.5-in W x 12-in L (front-back) w/o the bick in front to keep the coals from spilling out. I kept the air inlet in the middle. I'll post video of it fired and I'll turn down the air volume from the blower.

Thanks Thomas & Lou! Here is a movie showing my forge running. Also a pic of the air inlet (1-in pipe). I've been using brickets, but will definitely try lump charcoal!

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Good afternoon everyone!  My name is Don and I am new to blacksmithing.  The show Forged in Fire sparked the creative side of me and has inspired me to give blacksmithing a try as a hobby.  I built a side-draft forge of stacked brick and cinder block.  Air is supplied by my shop vac connected to a 1-in (black) pipe at the bottom of the fire bowl. The fire bowl is 7.5-in L (left-right) x 6.5-in W (front-back) x 6-in D.  I added the second course of brick based on posts here discussing charcoal forges.  I plan to buy some coal to give that a try as fuel, since it burns hotter.

I have been working two old files.  I can't seem to get the metal more than a medium-bright orange.  The right-side of the fire bowl doesn't burn bright, so I am thinking to cut the brick and make it smaller.  I purchases a 3-lb cross-pien that I've rounded and a 2-lb sledge that I've started to reface, based on what I've read here.  My "anvil" is currently a 4-lb sledge.  I'll be looking for something more appropriate and with more mass.  I have been running the valve controlling the air flow at about half-open.  I get a lot of blowing ash, if I open it too much more.

The file that looks most like a knife was one of my dad's old files that I did on Father's Day.  Dad's been gone three years now and the effort was a reconnection and lot more emotional than I expected.  The making something from "nothing" was very satisfying and is very similar to the creative urge that got me into software development as a profession.  

There is great advice on this site and like reading about everyone's experice.  Suggestions and advice welcome!

Don

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