tobykilroy Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 Hi all, Firstly, let me say what a great site this is! I've just started smithing (literally in the last 24 hours!) and I'm already hooked. I built myself a small forge from an old brake disc (or brake rotor in the US I believe), a piece of old exhaust pipe and a small foot pump for camp beds, and I'm pleased to say that I have had some success (eventually!) and have made a small knife and some nails to hang tools from (once I've made them of course). My questions are: 1. Can someone point me in the direction of a tutorial or something to make my own charcoal? I am a little loathe to buy it if I can make it myself. 2. What it the best wood for making charcoal? 3. When is the right time to start using the forge? i.e. Is there anything I should look for in the color of the flames etc...? 4. Have I asked too many questions in one post? If so, apologies, I will create separate ones. Look forward to hearing from you, Thanks, Toby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabre Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 here check out these videosYouTube - Making Charcoal For the Forge #2YouTube - Making Charcoal For the Forge Part 2 difrent oneYouTube - Making Charcoal The first method is eassyer Also try talking to m brothers...i think he makes it every morning before school Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woody Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 I am impressed. You seem to be well on your way by yourself. Great idea using the foot pump for a blower on your forge. Welcome to the wonderful world of blacksmithing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnr Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 And yet another charcoal site. Charcoal Retort . Sounds like you are well on your way. Enjoy the ride. Finnr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnW Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 2. There's not a heck of a lot of difference in wood by the time you get it burned down to charcoal, at least not as far as I can tell. I know oak, mapple, or yellow poplar all work fine. If I was making charcoal for the king, I think I'd buy a couple barrels of hickory hammer handles. 3. It takes a couple minutes for the charcoal to get burning througout the forge. There's no penalty in putting the steel in before the forge is hot. 4. Too many questions -- I don't think so. Some people definely ask questions that aren't going to be answered. You didn't ask how deep to make the fire. I don't know. Maybe 8" or 12". I'd say make plenty of charcoal and use it generously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobykilroy Posted October 12, 2008 Author Share Posted October 12, 2008 (edited) Thanks for all of your quick replies. I notice in Sabre's video he uses an oil barrel with a removable top to make the charcoal, I think I might have found one that I can blag, so I'll give it a go. I'm pleased you think I'm well on my way, it's nice to hear that my small efforts so far are in the right direction. The foot pump was a last resort. Someone gave me a centrifugal pump but if needs a motor, which I have yet to source. Anywho, I quite like the physical effort at the moment. It seems to make the end result more satisfying. Also, thanks JohnW, I knew there was a question I hadn't asked. I'm not sure my break disc will do 8"-12" but I'll get the maximum depth I can. I have yet to learn to weld, but I am thinking about the next forge to make. The one I have at the moment limits me a bit. Can anyone suggest a good design or idea for a relatively cheaply made forge that will yield fairly decent results? Thanks again, Toby p.s. I'm using the forge outdoors at the moment so I don't think I need to worry about ventilation too much, I may be mistaken. Edited October 12, 2008 by tobykilroy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnW Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 I like this forge design, http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/f7/washtub-forge-your-opinions-please-7439/ You can search on this site -- find search at the upper right. Outdoor forging is plenty good ventilation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Do a search on IForgeIron.com for charcoal. Lots of information. Best time to forge? S0010 The "Y" Rule Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobykilroy Posted October 13, 2008 Author Share Posted October 13, 2008 Thanks for all your replies, I especially like the Y-Rule. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arbalist Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 I understand about making your own Charcoal but it is quite cheap at the end of the BBQ season, my local Sainsburys was selling 4kg bags for 99p a month ago. Sadly I only got round to buying a few bags :rolleyes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobykilroy Posted October 13, 2008 Author Share Posted October 13, 2008 That sounds good to me! Is there any particular coal I should look for or is it all good? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arbalist Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 I just make sure it says something like "real lumpwood charcoal", apparently briquettes aren't so good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Welcome aboard Toby. Love the "Y" rule Glenn, it's one to live by. Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurlyGeorge Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 Welcome to IFI, Toby. I've never tried to forge with charcoal, but haveheard a lot about it. Hope that you can find enough to keep forging all year. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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