natenaaron Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 I am reading Backyard Blacksmithing. The authors mentions wetting the coal but does not say why. I have also seen it in a few videos. Why do this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 (edited) Keeps the fire from getting too big. Also, by reducing the amount of oxygen that can get to the coal, it helps bituminous coal convert to coke. Edited November 3, 2015 by JHCC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SReynolds Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 I learned along time ago that MOST of what you read or are told is matter of opinion. One book I have says to keep the green coal wet like oatmeal. Do not pass go. Do not collect twohundred dollars. . . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 On 11/3/2015, 10:57:46, JHCC said: Keeps the fire from getting too big. Also, by reducing the amount of oxygen that can get to the coal, it helps bituminous coal convert to coke. Yes, it is called fire management.... But to see how fire management works, it really helps to have a good firepot and forge. With a lesser setup this advice may simply not work so well,.....if at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 One problem is people think their set up/coal is universal; shoot I have 2 types of coal: one is used dry and I never even water the fire; the other is stored in a bucket full of water to get it to coke properly when used. If I only used one of those types I might get stuffy on the subject myself! Using both, I know that the devil is in the details! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 I'm currently forging with anthracite which barely cokes at all, so the only coal-wetting I do is to keep the fire from getting too big, which (in my setup, at least) is more easily accomplished with air supply control anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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