ive been using the forge most weekends and at some point thru out a day its time to clean out the klinker. i made a drum forge and i had some refractory laying around so i used that to line it but i have a real trouble getting some of the klinker out it really sticks in there. was wondering if it sticks to the clay linings as well or maybe to steel looking for a solution to keep it from sticking so bad i have to hammer it out.

  thanks

Cast iron is generally considered a good medium for clinker release.  It does stick to clay and steel.

so on the the next brake drum i should just leave it be and not try to line it with any thing sounds good to me

My drum is unlined, clinkers just lift out, no problem.  Also, the layer of ash that accumulates on the bottom and sides of the drum prevent the clinkers from sticking.  No need to line a drum.

Rotors are better as you dont have to build the fire so high. and yes, ash flows perfectly and lets you lift the clinker out with a fireplace shovel no problem.

well it sounds like ima start over with the fire pot and use an unlined drum to use as they are readily available to me thanks guys for responding. just a note you know no matter how bad a day is or week for that matter just one hour at the forge and youve forgot all those worries "life is good"