05-15-2007, 03:03 AM
In truth Rick with the charcoal it's the other way round. As a youth I worked in the manufacture of charcoal . I'll sum up what's done.
They start with hardwoods (we used mostly oak) the wood is placed in a kiln and charred through. At this point it is pure charcoal that I buy. It has nothing added and, nothing to cause problems in forging (burns hotter as well ).
The briqutes that most people use to cook with are made by the raw charcoal being pulverized and, mixed with clay.
The clay is the problem as it can stick to your steel in the forge and, cause pitting.
Speaking of horn, I've kicked the idea of making a helm out of it around. I wonder if anyone on here has ever done it and, could offer some insights?
I'd heard of a device something like the one in the picture for cutting fullers but, had never seen one. I wonder how well it works.
On to forges, I've found something better than my drawings a linkhttp://64.176.180.203/washtubforge.htm
that describes how to build the same type of forge. Only real differance from mine is I bought NOTHING and, used only scrap :twisted: .
Has anyone mentioned the scabbards Brennivs has made? Splendid and, the last sword posted you must have polished your arms off man to get that fine a finnish
hock: .
They start with hardwoods (we used mostly oak) the wood is placed in a kiln and charred through. At this point it is pure charcoal that I buy. It has nothing added and, nothing to cause problems in forging (burns hotter as well ).
The briqutes that most people use to cook with are made by the raw charcoal being pulverized and, mixed with clay.
The clay is the problem as it can stick to your steel in the forge and, cause pitting.
Speaking of horn, I've kicked the idea of making a helm out of it around. I wonder if anyone on here has ever done it and, could offer some insights?
I'd heard of a device something like the one in the picture for cutting fullers but, had never seen one. I wonder how well it works.
On to forges, I've found something better than my drawings a linkhttp://64.176.180.203/washtubforge.htm
that describes how to build the same type of forge. Only real differance from mine is I bought NOTHING and, used only scrap :twisted: .
Has anyone mentioned the scabbards Brennivs has made? Splendid and, the last sword posted you must have polished your arms off man to get that fine a finnish
hock: .
Dave Akers.
