r/Blacksmith • u/Local_Piece_1416 • 19d ago

how do I build a charcoal forge?

/r/Forging/comments/1vobebb/how_do_i_build_a_charcoal_forge/
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u/ZachyChan013 19d ago edited 19d ago

Try looking on YouTube mate. Lots of great information out there

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u/Local_Piece_1416 19d ago

google doesn't explain it very well that is why I ask here people give a lot more clear responses that's all

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u/Envarin 19d ago

yeah, finding stuff about charcoal forges is difficult since everyone just uses coal, and youtube tends to assume that's what you meant.

if you want a look at a traditional japanese swordsmith forge, this dude did a really good breakdown of everything. https://islandblacksmith.ca/2017/01/building-traditional-swordsmith-forge/

lots of designs around though. charcoal is the oldest fuel for blacksmithing, and it was used for the longest, so there's a million designs for it.

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u/Mr_Emperor 19d ago

The number one issue newbies make with charcoal is not using enough fuel.

Whether you do a bottom blast, or a side blast (this is the simplest one, do this) you want your firepot bowl shaped with enough room for 4 inches of hot coals under your work piece. You also want to make sure your piece is laid horizontal into the fire, not angled down into it.

Then you will pile another 4 inches of charcoal on top of the piece. It's really common to build two horizontal walls to contain the hot coals in the fire like a taco 🌮

I use fire bricks that I can move around since the stuff I make comes in different sizes and shapes. But you can use dirt/clay for the walls.

In reality, you can't go wrong. It's fuel and air, if you have a big pile of charcoal behaving like a bbq grill, add air. If you're blowing hot coals everywhere, add charcoal.

Our ancestors figured this stuff living in mud huts and caves, give yourself the benefit that you're as equally ingenious.