The smith can also adjust the length and width of the fire in such a forge to accommodate different shapes of work. If a larger fire is necessary, the smith increases the air flowing into the fire as well as feeding and deepening the coke heart. Surrounding all is a ring or horseshoe-shaped layer of raw coal, usually kept damp and tightly packed to maintain the shape of the fire's heart and to keep the coal from burning directly so that it "cooks" into coke first. Around the unburnt coke will be a transitional layer of coal being transformed into coke by the heat of the fire. The heart of the fire will be surrounded by a layer of hot but not burning coke. In operation, the hot core of the fire will be a ball of burning coke in and above the firepot. The tuyere will enter the firepot at the bottom. In a typical coal forge, a firepot will be centred in a flat hearth. Often this involves adjusting and maintaining the shape of the fire. ![]() With additional air, the fire consumes fuel faster and burns hotter (and cleaner - smoke can be thought of as escaped potential fuel).Ī blacksmith balances the fuel and air in the fire to suit particular kinds of work. A source of moving air, such as a fan or bellows, introduces additional air into the fire through the tuyere. Traditionally hearths have been constructed of mud-brick ( adobe), fired brick, stone, or later, constructed of iron.ĭuring operation, fuel is placed in or on the hearth and ignited.
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