GojiraMay

Do you have a visual you can show me of the bullet grate? I understand the concept but I am having trouble picturing it and how it’s fits together

Thanks for the advice! I had already thought of cutting pass through slots when I was forging long bits of round stock to make my tongs, Also i was having trouble building my fire up for work on some heavier pieces and pieces that were to long to fit down into the firepot. Any advice there?

thanks for resource!

Ok thanks for the advice, I appreciate the insight

Hello, I am relatively new to blacksmithing as I just made my first pair of tongs yesterday. I built my own forge and currently using a small exhaust fan jerry rigged together to provide air to the fire until I can source a more permanent air supply. I am using Anthracite coal in my forge as it is the only readily available coal in my area that I have found thus far, and I have heard that it is somewhat a dirty coal and can produce clinkers. When I was forging with it I had to frequently clean the fire out and I pulled out quite a few massive clinkers. Is this just because of the coal I am using or is anything I can change to help reduce the amount of clinkers are produced? Attached are some pictures of my forge and firepot design. any advice or tips is greatly appreciated!