Wandering_R0gue

DASWULF: Seems like a simple solution to the problem! Unfortunately, I only had access to the half barrel, and the original intent was to have it sitting right down over the fire pot, hence it being cut this way.... Unfortunately I ran out of stove pipe. I will need to pick up some more and then I can lower it down a bit closer to the table top.

Totally makes sense! Thanks Glenn!

Thanks Glenn! It started drawing for me almost right away when I lit with paper and kindling. When you mention a skirt, do you mean lowering the whole thing? just the back? I still have the piece I cut out of the front that I can use to make corrections.

I put the finishing touches on my forge setup. It is now useable! I am sure there will be tweaks needed, but I can at least start hammerin' some steel!

Thanks Irondragon, I will keep that in mind! When you say pre-heat with a torch, you mean the hood itself? or just the air in the flue?

UPDATE: Did a test fire, and my set up drew VERY well. any smoke was pulled pretty much vertical. Didn't catch ALL of it, but even at 80-90%, I am happy with that.... Considering the heaviest smoke is at startup....

Added my hood and ventilation today... Now to see if it works....

Haha, thanks.

Such as it is so far. I am still working on setting it up, so it is ever changing and not really operational yet. Working on ventilation right now.

Currently, all mu stock is in a rubbermaid tote, or standing on end against the wall. I am just getting started again, so what I have currently collected is smaller plate scrap from work, and a few longer (3-4') cut offs of bar stock. All mild steel so far, working on collecting some HC. I will eventually get some sort of shelving installed and sort materials by size and type most likely.

Thanks Frosty, that helps clear up a lot. My last forge (some 15ish years ago) I didn't bother with venting as it was set up in an old barn with 20ish foot vaulted ceiling and lots of air leaks ... Vented out pretty well.... Now I am learning all the other fun physics involved that you don't really think of much. For anyone interested/curious, this is the design I came up with that work made into a spec and 3D CAD design. It was then cut on a laser cutter, and then bent and welded in the shop. The only difference from design to final product is the pot is centered rather than being slightly forward. 1_4956669808960602898.pdf 1_4956669808960602897.pdf

Thanks everyone for your continued input. -Blower is at good height for me.... For now. I reserve the right to move anything around as I see fit once I start using it . The crank arm is also length adjustable if I need it longer/shorter. Everyone's advice seems sound... i guess it is just about wading through anything that conflicts. I will be burning CHARCOAL, yes, rather than coal. Though, having the ability to burn different fuels would be a plus.

That makes sense. I did buy the flat roll stuff, so I can double up. Will need to return some elbows and such. Going to have to have a serious look at if/how that will affect my setup before I do anything. Thanks for the input. I just did a bit of a dive into the forums for a bit more info.

Well, that sucks.... I just bought a bunch if 6".... I guess I'll have to return it. Why would it not draw enough for the forge when it will for a stove?

I do not. I am going low-tech. No power in the shed. Hopefully the chimney will draw, and open doors etc. Will provide enough other ventilation.

Thanks all for your input. To answer a few questions: -the fire pot and the table are both formed out of sheet steel. I work at a metal fab shop and they built it for me when I gave them a design. Fire pot is 1/4", formed and welded at seams. Table is 3/16ths" and is formed/welded. - I will be burning Charcoal. - I hadn't considered putting the short end against the wall... That may be a good option. Awesome! -regarding the air hose: i probably should put an extension on the T to get it farther back, thank you. Regarding ash dump: I will, probably in time, swap the cap for a flapper. - regarding fireproofing etc. So far, I have just used on-hand materials to build most of it. Some things will be swapped out over time. - Re: anvil stand: I haven't had any issues with it YET, but i suppose it could be a hazard. Never considered that. I appreciate everyone's input! That is what these communities are for! I am working on my smoke hood/flue/spark catcher. This is what I have so far: I will be venting out with stove piping. Does it need to be right above the fire pot?

Hey all, I am trying to get back into smithing after about 15 years. I wanted to share some photos of my setup as it currently is. I am still working on building my forge hood and installing ventilation. Feel free to let me know if you have any suggestions or comments!