WillyP

Thanks for your input guys! I did not actually know that a bit smaller lump would be better, but now I do so I'll definately use that info! Matt, I agree, I need better air control. I am working on that. Any suggestions? :confused: I'm open. One thing I did do though is make the length variable on that grate by using another piece of pipe that blocks the air holes from the one end. In theory, I can use the whole 10 -12" of the fire pot length, or just a few inches. Now on the practical side of that theory, I have found that a bit of debris does get down the holes and sort of bind the stopper pipe. So far not too bad and since the stopper pipe comes right out it's easy to clean. And again, this is where a better air flow control would be ideal, since having only 3 open holes will require less air than 10. Frosty, I had it in mind that the air tube would eventually need replacing as I was welding it all together, and as it would happen, I totally forgot about it the second I popped my welding helmet on my head and lowered the sheild! Now providence is a great thing, concidering I had not even checked to see if my holes were facing in the correct direction, AND, as it would happen, that tube only ended up with a very small weld at each end before I lifted the helmet and returned to my senses! Some of us are dangerous in the dark! :D

Well I was finally able to finish my charcoal forge project. Here is a few pics. With my test fire I just let a piece of steel burn right through as you can see in the pics. Welded the fire pot up from 3/8X6 Flat bar. The air is fed in through a 1/8 wall X 1-1/4" pipe with 5/16" holes drilled into it. The top is 1/8" sheet steel with some angle welded on as an edge. The blower in the pics is far too powerfull. The little blob in the last oic is the end of the rod that burned through.

Ian, I hear ya about the $$ being tight these days! But, I was SUPER fortunate - a week or so ago a guy that I know, and runs a small two man machine / fab shop left a message for me saying, 'since he has had no time to get rid of his drops, and right now scrap is worth nothing, I could come by and help myself to his drops!" Mind you some stuff is odd sized, but hey, it's free, and he is very happy that his bins are getting lower! Not sure how the price of scrap metal is doing where you are, but maybe asking a few questions to the right people might just net your daughter a bed frame. BTW I'm not saying we ought to be beggers.... You could always offer to make something decorative for the company, or for the Boss if you can't offer $$