Why I Prefer Charcoal Forges

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  • Опубліковано 25 чер 2024
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 186

  • @thewirerabbit
    @thewirerabbit 3 роки тому +28

    Finally someone who works full-time with charcoal. I'm hoping to learn quite a bit from your channel. You have been very helpful showing your fire in this video. I would love to see your bottom draft firepot and compare it to my side draft insulated firebrick pot. I'm loving my charcoal forge.

  • @opforgeron
    @opforgeron 3 роки тому +15

    I really like working with charcoal too. I switched to coke the last few years for the price but now that I don't forge fulltime anymore, I will switch back to it. The main reasons are: renewable fuel, easier to find, very easy to light and it is greener than any fuel.
    It is not true when people say that propane is better for the environment. When you burn it, yes, but to make propane, you need coal. They think that using a gas forge is green because there is not so much emissions, but in reality, it is no better than coal because of the process it needs before you buy the propane.
    Great vid Btw! :)

  • @paulorchard7960
    @paulorchard7960 4 роки тому +28

    The last 2 weeks I have been using my just completed, home built charcoal forge and agree entirely with everything you just said. My gas forge is going to feel very lonely and neglected in the future! I believe most aspiring blacksmiths watch every utube channel they can find but very few are Aussie, all the american and european smiths only seem to use coke or coal so thats why the mindset is towards those fuels. I want to thank you, not only for confirming my growing opinion of charcoal but also getting the information out for us to think about!

  • @stantilton2191
    @stantilton2191 3 роки тому +5

    I remember being laughed at when speaking about needing more volume as opposed to pressure. In this instance we were making a small cut in a sheet of paper 20 feet wide. the cut is in the middle of a rotating spool which builds diameter then needs to be swapped out. Volume pushes the cut trapped by a nip in the rolls and tears it both ways to it's edges. It also starts the other end on the new spool. These so called educated supervisors could not see the difference. I worked with it daily and agree with you. I look forward to enjoying more of your video's Thank you.

  • @BluestFalcon
    @BluestFalcon Рік тому +2

    2 years later and here I am picking up awesome tips. Thank you, this channel should be more popular.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  Рік тому +1

      Thank you! I'd like it if it was, too hahaha If you got good tips from this, you might enjoy a recent video of mine, titled "Why your coal forge sucks"

    • @BluestFalcon
      @BluestFalcon Рік тому +1

      @@ValhallaIronworks I'll check it out

  • @chrisVvV1821
    @chrisVvV1821 2 роки тому +4

    Finally!Trandional forging explain!
    Thank you!
    Greetings from Crete,Greece!

  • @johnpeters9175
    @johnpeters9175 3 роки тому +19

    The coal ash is also a toxic mess and really should be disposed of properly.
    Charcoal ash is actually pretty good for soil (does make it less acidic, which some plants don't like).

    • @esben181
      @esben181 2 роки тому +1

      RIP my blueberries

    • @bensartakamcas1n126
      @bensartakamcas1n126 2 роки тому +1

      @@esben181
      Same here but with my grapes.
      :(

    • @philiprutter1
      @philiprutter1 2 роки тому

      @@esben181 somebody could have told you - NEVER put wood ash on blueberries. They need decidedly acid soil; people usually recommend special acidifiers.

    • @cristianpopescu78
      @cristianpopescu78 2 роки тому +1

      ..Or you use it to make gun powder.

  • @grasssnake3826
    @grasssnake3826 2 місяці тому +2

    Here they sell Royal Oak lump charcoal everywhere. This charcoal is supposed to be pretty good stuff made with 100% hickory. After watching this I’m sure this is the route I need to go for my first forge. Thanks for the helpful info.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 місяці тому +1

      Thank you! Best of luck!

    • @jrrarglblarg9241
      @jrrarglblarg9241 2 місяці тому +1

      Red bag culinary charcoal is under-cooked as forge fuel, to leave plenty of flavor. Those volatiles cooking off cools the charcoal, lowering the max potential heat it can generate. That’s been my experience. I use it but the limits are limiting.

  • @tanglediver
    @tanglediver 4 місяці тому +1

    I'm very new to forging, but I've been arc welding for 30 years. I can tell you that the smell of burning materials is very important. We need to know when to stop working and put out our burning shoes for instance!

  • @Tr1g73ch
    @Tr1g73ch 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the information! I just started with a charcoal forge myself and after hearing this I think I'll stick to it.

  • @GWIRailroad
    @GWIRailroad 4 роки тому +1

    Awesome video very informative, Thank You Wayne.

  • @svenrasmussen3940
    @svenrasmussen3940 4 роки тому +3

    Thanks so much for making this video! A really great overview on the topic, and great to hear it from someone who has proper experience of using it. I've just started making my own charcoal in a 44 gal retort kiln, having been dissatisfied with the wood fired kiln I built following the Whitlox forge. Charcoal is definitely worth the effort. Really pleased to have discovered your channel- discovered you via Daniel Moss's recent video- YT search algorithm not always that great. I will be working my way through your other videos. Thanks again, and all the best. Sven

  • @danielmoss2089
    @danielmoss2089 4 роки тому +2

    Nice video dude and loads of great info. If I could get the stuff for the right money I would. I think I'll look into it again.

  • @hannemannironworks1651
    @hannemannironworks1651 4 роки тому +1

    Great video Alex!

  • @vedamaritabullockashley2770
    @vedamaritabullockashley2770 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you for making this video! I've been using a gas forge for about a year. Since I have an abundance of wood on my property, I just purchased a wood fired forge that can also use charcoal. Your input helped make the decision easy. 🙂 ⚒️

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому

      That is awesome! It sounds like you're really enjoying it, too!

  • @robscott4723
    @robscott4723 9 місяців тому

    Fantastic tips and info!!!

  • @rodneylangstroth4577
    @rodneylangstroth4577 2 роки тому +1

    Excellent video. Thanks Alex

  • @tobiaspatterson7215
    @tobiaspatterson7215 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome video ,so much useful info

  • @markcockerham646
    @markcockerham646 Рік тому +1

    Very informative; I’ve been using a gas forge that I built, but have been considering a solid fuel. Thanks for the pointers.

  • @FeatherHorseforge
    @FeatherHorseforge 4 роки тому +1

    I used to work at a radiata pine saw mill, got all the offcuts I wanted so I used it to make my own charcoal was awesome, sadly I don’t work there now.

  • @ajsironworks3937
    @ajsironworks3937 4 роки тому +1

    That helps man. Thanks a lot.

  • @allenchancery4847
    @allenchancery4847 3 роки тому +1

    Good show thanks

  • @breese7488
    @breese7488 Рік тому +2

    I've been watching UA-cam videos for years, and you covered more material, more clearly, and with less BS than the majority of those I have watched. Well on my way to completing my blade smithing shop. All made by me, with info garnered from knowledgeable men like yourself. Many thanks.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  Рік тому +1

      That is awesome! Glad you're taking the time to make the tools yourself, too, as no-one is closer with their gear than they who made it themselves! Keep that fire lit!

    • @breese7488
      @breese7488 Рік тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks A brief response...I am thankful for your encouragement. I am now planning on modifying my charcoal forge, to the style that you have. Wisdom begs duplication.
      Best to you Sir.
      B

  • @shawncawley7164
    @shawncawley7164 11 місяців тому +1

    I've been told that where I live back in the day if blacksmiths ran out of coal/charcoal they'd use poplar because of how hot it burns

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  11 місяців тому

      Absolutely - different species all burn with different properties, and are more or less plentiful depending on the locale. It's quite fascinating taking a look back at historical blacksmithing during eras where it was done out of necessity rather than art!

  • @kevinmorgan6382
    @kevinmorgan6382 2 роки тому +2

    I love my charcoal forge... I use box bellows in conjunction and that works awesome...

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому +1

      Box bellows are wonderful things! I love the breathing sound they make.

  • @michaelmerrigan1064
    @michaelmerrigan1064 7 місяців тому +1

    From my experience I agree with all you have said. I made my own forges and tools as well as make and use my own charcoal from both a 200 litre drum and a retort that I built. I interchange a manual cranked blower and an electric blower depending on the amount of forging I have planned. I use a 2 litre hand held pump up garden sprayer to apply water around the edges of the fire. It applies an accurate stream of water exactly where it is needed and I prefer it to other methods I have tried. I find you video enjoyable and informative. Subscribed, Thanks

  • @NordicEdge
    @NordicEdge 3 роки тому +3

    Just bought a small solid fuel forge with a hand blower. Looking forward to learn how to use it.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому +2

      That is excellent, Bjorn! Please hit me up if you have any questions about it. I'm planning a video soon teaching how to get the most out of them!

  • @dirmusloner7963
    @dirmusloner7963 Рік тому +1

    The first blacksmiths were using charcoal or coal forges to forge, I know that nowadays we have propane forges, but I like the journey in the past a coal or charcoal forge let you have to the roots of blacksmithing, also as a beginner, I agree what you say thank you for sharing your opinion and knowledge

  • @stefanmierke4801
    @stefanmierke4801 4 роки тому +1

    I hated working with charcoal during my lessons. First because I had such a huge piece, that was nearly impossible with my skill to get a even heat in and second as I only head a weekend as total time I was constantly in a rush state and didn't took my time to learn to use it correctly. the most of the time you were fiddling out glass like stuff from the air blowerand had to restart the fire with the charcoal and then add more coke. I was so happy when I was allowed to use the propane forge. But for heating up, just a specific part on a tong for example I would prefer hard fuel forges over a propane.

  • @michael3573
    @michael3573 3 роки тому +2

    Your videos are great, and the intro music is amazing.

  • @grandadz_forge
    @grandadz_forge 4 роки тому +2

    Love the smell of charcoal

  • @AdamOoi85
    @AdamOoi85 Рік тому +1

    Learned a lot about solid fuel forge. Thanks a lot. Luckily I didn't attempt forging with coconut fibre brique after listening to your advise that they won't generate enough heat to allow forging.

  • @fredbergman6623
    @fredbergman6623 4 роки тому +3

    Thanks so much for all the information. Definitely going to watch this a couple times! Just ordered a hand cranked blower today so I'll have better air control cause while the hair dryer is alright I don't have a good gate system that gives me the control I want.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  4 роки тому +2

      Sounds awesome! I do have a video on building your own air gate out of wood that might help! ua-cam.com/video/_30BquRyzJI/v-deo.html

  • @robynbliss8990
    @robynbliss8990 2 роки тому +4

    Love your style mate. I too only use charcoal in Qld, make it ourselves in 205l drums. Have you done a video how to do this? Maybe your viewers would like.
    The alternative fuel they sell up here in Qld is called "Blacksmiths slack". Its a type of coal with its lump size is easy to use BUT it forms plenty of clinkers and gives a dirty fire compared to pure clean heat you get from hardwood charcoal. As you say you use more fuel with charcoal, but once you try its hard to go back to coal/coke!! Cheers mate

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому +1

      I definitely love it! I have built retorts in the past, but they've always been temporary setups. There are a few videos out on UA-cam on how to build and run them, but maybe I'll do one in future when I set up a permanent build! It's a great way to make use of scrap lumber and deadfalls!

  • @basaltplainscreationsaustr1194
    @basaltplainscreationsaustr1194 3 роки тому +1

    Loved your video. I cook my own charcoal fron acacia in the Central Highlands of Victoria.

  • @dtrotteryt
    @dtrotteryt Рік тому +1

    My favorite thing about using charcoal is the cost. Coal is readily available where I am, but it is more expensive due to the low demand. Charcoal I make on my own, as you say its quite easy. I save old branches and logs and split them to turn them into charcoal. Since I have a manual blower, it costs basically nothing to run, as opposed to my gas forges with electric fans. Great to see a charcoal smith, thanks!!!

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  Рік тому +1

      It's very empowering being able to make your own forge fuel in your backyard using scrap!

  • @dylanodoherty9702
    @dylanodoherty9702 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you for your insights, makes a lot of sense! Have you had much formal training in smithing or are you mostly self taught? Thanks again mate!

  • @unforkyours3lf730
    @unforkyours3lf730 2 роки тому +1

    Wow cool thanks

  • @The_Devil_Nside
    @The_Devil_Nside 4 роки тому +1

    Agreed

  • @douglasfathers4848
    @douglasfathers4848 3 роки тому +1

    Mate I have trying to get information on charcoal . I have a gas forge but you know the problems with them .
    And if I herd you write you live in Tasmania .
    Well I live NSW Australia , and you are the only blacksmith channel that I have found down under . Cheers :)

  • @wmcutlery54
    @wmcutlery54 2 роки тому +1

    Hi my name is John and I like using a propane Forge for most of my knife making because it gives an even Heat oh, but I also like using a charcoal or coal Forge as well.

  • @bennyhill3642
    @bennyhill3642 Рік тому +1

    Well u just finished my 1st pair of tongs and u use oak in my forge. And I feel it works really well😇😁😇

  • @jb8086
    @jb8086 4 роки тому +2

    Good video, enjoyed as always. Love charcoal, I find it much more enjoyable to use than coal. However where I live in the US I can get a truckload of coal for cheap and easier than charcoal. The smell/smoke makes me wish otherwise.

  • @WHYNKO
    @WHYNKO 2 роки тому +1

    My farm land has a lot of unwanted trees and eucalyptus trees, i have made charcoal before but this time I goda make tons of it for supply.

  • @honkingdonk3981
    @honkingdonk3981 3 роки тому +1

    I've been thinking about learning how to do this.

  • @thomass2505
    @thomass2505 3 роки тому

    Friend and I are working on making a forge. It's made from cinder blocks and fueled basically by just charcoal. We're working on a lawnmower blade we were given. Our air comes from a leaf blower. Three tries and almost 16 lbs of charcoal and we've not managed to get the blade to go orange even once
    And I only just found out that the briquettes should absolutely not be used

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому +1

      I think every blacksmith has gone through that saga before! Remember it's not just the speed of the air going through, it's the volume! Think of it like blowing on a fire. If you blow too hard and fast, the fire gets blown out. If you blow too soft and slow, nothing happens. You have to blow at a very specific rate and move a very specific amount of air to make it roar to life!

  • @davewilson1591
    @davewilson1591 3 роки тому +1

    Hey! Just stumbled onto your channel. Thanks for taking the time for us viewers. I too am in a pickle over fuel. Here I can get 40# of lump mesquite charcoal cheap, $13 and was striving to use coal - very expensive in California. Now after your clarification I'll be moving forward with charcoal only!
    I've finished building 3 forges this year - each one with a bigger firebox - until I found a size that works for me.
    I wanted to share my experience with the size of the tuyere. To get the air sound - blast - my understanding is volume is of prime importance. Avoid restrictions and the speed or blast will take care of itself. So I used 3 1/2" sch. 40 pipe throughout the entire tuyere. This may sound a bit large, but believe me it works. I just went out and started a fire and the blast comes about with less than half a turn of the blower. My blower is an antique of medium size - much smaller than a 400 champion to give you some idea.
    Also I noticed that you had a piece of metal between the blower and forge. Great idea - actually necessary - because of the heat generated. I don't have that on my forges. An old priest I met from Nicaragua came by and told me as a youngin' he was required to turn the blower and my tuyere was too short - too close to the forge for any extended forging. I'll be building a new tuyere with an extra foot between blower and forge.
    Thanks again subbed and will be tuning in!

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому

      Thanks for following, mate! Sounds like you're right into it! I love it!

  • @gurudasbock
    @gurudasbock 3 роки тому +1

    I use a side blast forge when using charcoal fuel. I find it to be easier to maintain and use.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому +1

      All of the different styles of forge have their pros and cons! It's great you've found what works for your method of forging!

  • @jedsoutlook2810
    @jedsoutlook2810 8 місяців тому +1

    Hey mate
    I’m starting out and I’m on my third revision of charcoal forges I’ve built I watched tonnes of videos and yours by far is the best set up I’ve seen. Is there any chance you have plans or dimensions of your set up so I can replicate it.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  8 місяців тому

      I can do you one better! Check out a recent video of mine called "Why your coal forge sucks" - It's a super in-depth deep dive on how to get the maximum efficiency out of your solid fuel forge design, regardless of what size or shape it is!

  • @Ab0minati0n
    @Ab0minati0n 2 роки тому +1

    I love a charcoal forge. Gets plenty hot to weld, doesn's smoke much, easy to light and very little tending. Few supplies in QLD so thats good

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому +1

      Also, with a trivet thrown on top, you can cook your lunch on it! 😆

    • @Ab0minati0n
      @Ab0minati0n 2 роки тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks now I'm thinking about Sausageman"s sausages

  • @gebhardt244
    @gebhardt244 3 роки тому +1

    In last week i atarted makeing a boc bellow for my forge.

  • @richardhawkins2248
    @richardhawkins2248 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you. Fortunately, I'm my own charcoal supplier.

  • @jeanladoire4141
    @jeanladoire4141 Рік тому +1

    since the war in ukraine, i've found charcoal that's the same cost as forge coal. Except charcoal is already de-gassed and pure, while the coal has to burn its crud and coke up (so you're losing like half the weight just in useless flames). Charcoal makes sparks so it's annoying sometimes, but it has so MANY advantages !
    If it's hardwood charcoal (the best fuel i've ever had EVER was homemade oak charcoal), it's gonna burn for reasonably long, so it will keep the heat well, but it won't make any clinkers. It also takes very little oxygen to burn. It will keep its heat for longer when you cut the air, it doesn't make flames so you can see easily into the core of the fire, it doesnt smoke or make me cough black dust at the end of the day, it doesnt have any sulfur so it can't contaminate your steel, and it's closer to the medieval and old ways of forging. It's more expensive than propane tho. But it's renewable so ... i suppose thats good ?

  • @cristianpopescu78
    @cristianpopescu78 2 роки тому +1

    Great presentation!Very helpfull.My forge doesn't heat enough,no matter how much air blow in, I think my firepot is too small..too..
    I was trying to weld ..got nothing but frustration and wasteing my time.
    I confess: I used charcoal brickets ..I didnt know nothing about,just suspected it would be a problem with...Waching this video is God's response to my prays " please Show me!"
    Thanks a lot ! Big,big 👍from me

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому +1

      Unfortunately charcoal briquettes won't ever reach those temperatures. Don't forget that it's not just about the speed of the air entering the fire, but the volume as well. Try and keep the air tube nice and wide the entire way. The narrowest part of my air tube is still 2" across!

  • @unforkyours3lf730
    @unforkyours3lf730 2 роки тому +1

    So glad I found you. I wanna black Smith as primitive and self sufficient as possible

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому

      I try to do it that way as often as I can, and hope to do it exclusively that way one day.

  • @blackgriffinxx
    @blackgriffinxx 2 роки тому +1

    Used charcoal because that all i had but it get the job done well. fond out the hard way. LOL 1 by 1 bar gone in a minute
    it $8 a bag from the store.
    I got a air bed blower for air ( loud as hell)
    My forge kind of look like yours. It version 2. 2-A soon to be 2.2-B
    Not a weld used to make it. all from trash.

  • @HoldFastForge
    @HoldFastForge 2 роки тому

    Great video - thanks!
    What’s the song played during the intro?

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому

      It's a song called "Lamp Light" by an Australian artist who goes by the name Old Semiel. His details are in the description!

    • @HoldFastForge
      @HoldFastForge 2 роки тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks Oops - missed that. Thanks for the info, and keep up the great content 👍🏻

  • @gelanghaarteweile3048
    @gelanghaarteweile3048 Місяць тому +1

    Nice talk about solid fuel forge! :)
    As charcoal is made of... well... just cut and dryed wood isn't it also like coconut coal renewable? :)
    btw: what brand is that hand cranked blower?

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  Місяць тому

      It's a Zomax! The original source of the charcoal does indeed make a difference. I had hoped to be able to use coconut fibre charcoal to power my forge, and it DOES work, but I really struggled to get it hot enough to forge weld. Would have made for a cool alternative if it had worked!

  • @mattwyeth3156
    @mattwyeth3156 Рік тому +1

    What size blower do you have on your forge im also thinking of getting a hand crank blower as the hair dryer that I'm using goes through charcoal way too fast even with an air gate i can't get the control i need and it produces lots of sparks to the point where I've had to cover it to use the forge without setting everything on fire

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  Рік тому +1

      That depends on how you measure blower size! I'm not sure what the output rate is of this one, but physically the entire unit would fit inside of a 1ft cube.

  • @redrob6331
    @redrob6331 5 місяців тому +1

    I prefer solid fuel forges, although I am thinking about getting ahold of a propane forge (one of the Mr. Volcano ones) because of the ready availability of propane. I live in the suburbs and so I don't like using coal since it may result in bad relations with my neighbors. I have been using coke, but it's increasingly harder to get, due to mining it for industrial purposes being uneconomical due to fracking producing such cheap natural gas. I recently purchased 150lbs of the stuff and had to drive 300 miles round trip to get it. Charcoal is relatively easy to get around here (I live in Texas and it's basically always barbecue weather), but it can be expensive. I crunched the numbers and these 34 lb sacks I can get from Costco work out to slightly more than the coke. One of the big reasons I don't like to use it, though, is fire fleas (sparks) which like to land on your arms when forging. It also makes it unsafe to use when in drought conditions. I notice that your fire doesn't seem to spark that much and that it's surrounded by pieces of sheet metal. Is that to contain the sparks? Do you have other tips about dealing with them? I would use wood, but I don't have an adequate supply of it.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  5 місяців тому

      I find that using hardwood lump charcoal produces far fewer sparks, but you can never fully get rid of them. The sheet metal shield I sometimes put around my fire pot is actually to block the wind! My forge is open-fronted, meaning that when the day is windy enough, and from the wrong direction, it can negatively impact my fire in all kinds of ways, so I have a temporary sheet steel shield I can put up to block it and forge in peace!

    • @redrob6331
      @redrob6331 5 місяців тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks it’s hardwood charcoal that I have used, and currently use to light the coke. Do you know if it’s resin or moisture which causes the sparks? Often, the species is mesquite.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  5 місяців тому

      I believe it's just the nature of solid fuel based fires which cause the fire fleas. However, excess moisture certainly does cause more of them

  • @mattwyeth3156
    @mattwyeth3156 3 роки тому +2

    How do you keep the spaks from the charcoal to a minimum and do you break up the charcoal into smaller pieces to get a more even heat or does it not really matter

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому +2

      It really doesn't matter, in my opinion! I always wear eye protection while forging, which I recommend. Outside of that, it's not a problem.

  • @lenblacksmith8559
    @lenblacksmith8559 3 роки тому +1

    I have used charcoal from Bunnings and it's not bad but I don't know where to get the good hardwood stuff you talk about. I'm in Brisbane. Thanks for the info.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому

      I used Samba charcoal from Bunnings for years and it works ok. Just much more expensive to buy that way. Restaurant grade charcoal I find works best, and Brisbane has plenty of suppliers - www.charcoalbrisbane.com.au/ - www.charcoalbrisbane.com.au/bbq-charcoal/ - www.ironwoodsmokers.com.au/product-page/gidgee-lump-charcoal-8kg-10kg-19kg

    • @lenblacksmith8559
      @lenblacksmith8559 3 роки тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks thanks for that wi check them out

    • @lenblacksmith8559
      @lenblacksmith8559 3 роки тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks Yeah Bunnings got rid of that Samba Charcoal was good.

  • @wolfsforge2
    @wolfsforge2 Рік тому

    I use Charcoal in my forge.

  • @mattwyeth3156
    @mattwyeth3156 Рік тому +1

    Do you need to prepare your charcoal into smaller pieces before you forge with it or do you just forge with it as you take it from the bag

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  Рік тому +1

      Depends a lot on the brand you get. Unfortunately most suppliers tend to sell lump charcoal in fairly large chunks. Ideally for forging you want golfball sized bits. So at the start of my day I'll often just grab a hammer and spend a few minutes breaking up the lumps I'll use for the day. You don't go through charcoal as quick as most people think, so a good sized bucket full is enough to do a full day's work for most applications. Doesn't take long to process that up.

  • @miltonshields6877
    @miltonshields6877 3 роки тому +1

    I am building my first forge and have been looking for supplies of lump hardwood charcoal but unable to find a supplier of good charcoal in Adelaide. You mentioned a business in Tasmania and wondering if they supply under a brand name so I can look into availability in Adelaide.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому

      Unfortunately they don't ship outside of Tasmania :( but keep looking around! I have used Samba charcoal in the past, and the quality is quite good. My only issue with them is that the size of the pieces can sometimes be quite large, but that's only occasionally. Ideally you want pieces around the size of golf balls.

    • @thomas.thomas
      @thomas.thomas 3 роки тому

      Any tips on how big the chunks should be and how to achieve that size? I just hammer them smaller and that produces quite a lot of dust

  • @thewalnutwoodworker6136
    @thewalnutwoodworker6136 2 роки тому

    Coal for general work, charcoal for welding.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому

      Both can weld just fine. I would actually say that charcoal's heavy ash production would make it far less ideal for welding than coal.

  • @mattwyeth3156
    @mattwyeth3156 3 роки тому

    How much will the draft of a forge hood increase the amount of fuel consumption in your charcoal forge compared to a set-up similar to what you have

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому +1

      A draft hood doesn't really affect the amount of fuel consumption of a coal forge. Only the amount of air going INTO the forge does, not the amount of air being drawn away from it. So it would be blower power that would be the main thing to look at. A draft hood just draws the smoke away from the top of the forge.

  • @elektrobear2027
    @elektrobear2027 2 роки тому +1

    Hos big a fan would you recommend? Im looking at 80-350 watt ones (weird measurement to me), the size of yours might point me in the right direction

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому +1

      I've never used an electric fan on my forge, only ever hand-crank ones. That being said, a hand cranked blower pushes far less air than even low powered electric fans. So what you're looking for is VOLUME of air moved, rather than speed. A lot of people use things like mattress inflators or hair dryers, since they focus on moving LOTS of air, rather than moving it particularly fast. If you're going to use an electric blower, though, you need to make use of some kind of air gate, to vent off the excess air, otherwise it will cause backflow and burn out your motor. I have a video on a wooden one I made a long while ago, perhaps it will help: ua-cam.com/video/_30BquRyzJI/v-deo.html

    • @elektrobear2027
      @elektrobear2027 2 роки тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks actually these are handcrank fans. It's bloody weird they have the measurements in watts nd not cfm/cmm or similar. That's why I asked about the size of your fan so I might get a pointer as to how big a fan I should buy.

  • @elektrobear2027
    @elektrobear2027 2 роки тому

    What are the measurements on your blower? If you were to fit it into a cube? Or if you could just give me the circumference of the outlet, since it different on every size.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому

      I'd say the outlet is around a 5-6 cm diameter. Not very big. The entire blower could fit inside of a 1 foot cube.

  • @CChan11
    @CChan11 2 роки тому

    what kind of crank blower do you have and where did you get it?

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому

      I have a Zomax blower made in Rajkot India, and got it off of eBay!

    • @CChan11
      @CChan11 2 роки тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks I just got a similar blower after your suggestion. If you use that forge for forge welding, I’d be really interested to see how you prep your fire, the size of the charcoal pieces you use and other steps you use. I can easily forge weld in my gas forge but am having a very hard time with charcoal.

  • @thedavidwalker
    @thedavidwalker 3 роки тому +1

    How is the smoke from a charcoal forge?

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому +1

      It smokes quite a bit when you first start it up as with all solid fuels, but once it's running, it puts out almost no smoke whatsoever! Runs very clean.

  • @iprenmannen
    @iprenmannen 2 роки тому +1

    I know this is an old video by now, but how come you seem to use gas forge instead on your newer projects? Is it convenience or something lacking in the charcoal forge?

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому +1

      Two reasons, actually. My forge is on a large farm, and last summer the farm chose to grow hay in every paddock that surrounds my forge (basically positioning me in the middle of a giant tinder-box) so I switched to gas for safety reasons during that Summer. And during that time the knifemaking side of my business took off massively, so I had to switch to the gas forge for speed of production. I still have the coal forge though, still prefer to use it whenever I can, and still often do for the times that I still do decorative ironwork!

    • @iprenmannen
      @iprenmannen 2 роки тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks Ahh, that makes sense, I have a gas forge now but I only forge as a hobby and feel that the therapeutic feel of a charcoal/wood fired forge instead of the roraring fire from a gas forge would make me feel more at ease.
      I'm building a new forge to try to forge with charcoal or wood in the future and stumbled upon your channel and therefore got a bit confused at first.
      Thanks for the quick reply :)

  • @nathanbutcher1
    @nathanbutcher1 2 роки тому

    How do you find those zomax blowers? Is that the 25 or 35?

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому +1

      I'm not sure! I got mine on eBay many, many years ago.

    • @nathanbutcher1
      @nathanbutcher1 2 роки тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks yeh fair enough.
      The only ones I’ve seen have a 25
      Or a 35 number cast into the outlet like the name.
      Do you find it to be a reasonable blower or better off finding a second hand old one?

  • @mattcruise8894
    @mattcruise8894 3 роки тому +1

    Some charcoal briquette manufacturers, such as Kingsford, use anthracite or bituminous coal in the ingredients as well as other chemicals. Another reason not to use the charcoal briquettes.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому +2

      Not to mention all of the filler and other crap they put in them! Best avoided, absolutely!

  • @nielsr.2859
    @nielsr.2859 2 роки тому

    I work with 50% charcoal, 25% cokes and 25% anthracite.

  • @georgegriffiths2235
    @georgegriffiths2235 4 роки тому

    What make is your blower.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  4 роки тому

      The green one in this video is Zomax - I also have a Buffalo and a Sharmin

  • @kimsutton2268
    @kimsutton2268 Рік тому +1

    I have a question in a charcoal forge are you not adding more carbon to the metal

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  Рік тому

      It's a good question! In order to carbeurize steel, however, you need to have an oxygen starved environment and quite substantially long soak times at high heats (many many hours). So while it's possible to do, you'd have to actively be working at it in order to make that happen, and even then it would only add additional carbon to the very outside shell of the steel!

    • @kimsutton2268
      @kimsutton2268 Рік тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks I have been told by a black smith instructor that charcoal is better for welding in the forge

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  Рік тому

      Fuel type is irrelevant for forge welding - it's all about temperature and atmosphere! Check out the video I did talking about the chemistry of it! ua-cam.com/video/qxAdZmopSQY/v-deo.html

  • @donaldweikel2963
    @donaldweikel2963 3 роки тому +1

    Is it possible to use seasoned or dried hard wood or pine instead of charcoal?

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому +2

      You can indeed. You just will go through a lot more fuel.

    • @donaldweikel2963
      @donaldweikel2963 3 роки тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks thank you. I am trying to get started coal/coke is very hard to come by and lump charcoal that is not for the grill is also hard to come by. I am a over the road trucker and when I go home I have little time to make my own

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому +1

      Take a look at this! ua-cam.com/video/daXRxJ9wVKU/v-deo.html

    • @donaldweikel2963
      @donaldweikel2963 3 роки тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks thank you.

  • @hiramortius2353
    @hiramortius2353 Рік тому +1

    Bro I just can't get heat enough to get damascus. Can't get the forge welds to weld..

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  Рік тому

      In a solid fuel forge? Or a gas forge? If it's a solid fuel forge, you need to get more air into it. If it's a gas forge, check out my latest video!

  • @Dustrout
    @Dustrout 2 місяці тому +1

    For me It just feels safer when I use coal forges

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 місяці тому +1

      I actually felt that way too, for the longest time. Now I feel equally comfortable by both, but it took years of full time use to get there.

  • @HighWealder
    @HighWealder 2 роки тому +1

    Back to the roots of blacksmithing before coke or coal were discovered.

  • @esben181
    @esben181 2 роки тому +1

    I always assumed that everyone used charcoal

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому +1

      haha it's actually pretty niche. Most people use coke or coal!

  • @jc-rq8or
    @jc-rq8or 3 роки тому

    I just use regular wood because you've already gotta burn a bunch to make charcoal. So I just skip all that.

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  3 роки тому +1

      Charcoal isn't "burnt wood", though. Charcoal is charred wood. Regular wood can absolutely be used to forge, and in fact a lot of traditional Japanese forges use this. However, it burns MUCH faster than charcoal does, and you have to feed your fire much more often. This is a personal preference of the smith.

  • @jmbstudio6873
    @jmbstudio6873 10 місяців тому

    I built a coal/charcoal forge and used it for a few months. I built a propane forge and have not used my coal forge since. Propane is cheaper, cleaner, and allows you to do multiples. It is superior to the coal/charcoal forge in every way. The only exception is if you do large decorative pieces that wont fit in a propane forge. Ill pas on dirty, constantly needing attention to maintain fire, burns up steel, cant to multiples coal/charcoal forge. The only reason you dont like propane is because you do not know how to build a forced induction burner setup, if you did I seriously doubt you would use dirty fuel that turns to dirty ashes/clinkers again.
    Forge On!!!

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  10 місяців тому

      Can you make anything the size of, say, a gate in your propane forge? Can you make your own fuel for your propane forge at home? Can you comfortably work next to your propane forge all day with no hearing protection, or without having to shout to talk to people? These are just a small few of the benefits of solid fuel forges over propane forges. The point of this video is not to convert people away from using gas forges. If you don't like getting your hands a little dirty, that's your choice. I have SEVERAL gas forges, of different sizes and shapes, all for different tasks. I also have several coal forges, as I do this professionally, full time. The fact you feel the need to come onto the comment section of a UA-cam video and try and insult someone's setup shows me how thin your grasp of this craft and community are. So - and I mean this with all sincerity - keep your shitty insults to yourself.

  • @OuroborosArmory
    @OuroborosArmory 4 роки тому +6

    LOL you can also buy bags of charcoal almost anywhere.. coal.. not so much.

  • @1pcfred
    @1pcfred 2 роки тому

    I've seen some hipsters but I've never run into a charcoal snob before now. I had to stop the video in fear that he'd wax over some ethereal charcoal properties after he name dropped. The nose of Jarrah charcoal is unparalleled. You are just a pauper if you use anything else.

  • @andrewdurfee2891
    @andrewdurfee2891 11 місяців тому

    Great video, but as I'm sure you know,Valhalla is a myth👍🏾

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  11 місяців тому

      Just like Heaven. Doesn't stop people referring to it.

    • @andrewdurfee2891
      @andrewdurfee2891 11 місяців тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks Because there is Subjective Truth & Objective Truth ⚖️😉

    • @andrewdurfee2891
      @andrewdurfee2891 11 місяців тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks so many are emersed in fantasy/mythology/theories mostly because they have been indoctrinated by Subjective Truth in government institutions from their adolescence 😖 which has bred the spirit of what we are seeing today...
      "Do as thou wilt shall be the WHOLE of the law" (⚠️)
      Subjective Truth is a Dead End road/ hopeless

    • @andrewdurfee2891
      @andrewdurfee2891 11 місяців тому

      @@ValhallaIronworks "Truth is the MOST VALUABLE Thing on earth, SO VALUABLE it's often surrounded by bodyguards of Lies"...
      The BEST kept secrets are in plain sight

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  11 місяців тому

      You're a strange guy, but keep on keeping on.

  • @ericsprado4631
    @ericsprado4631 2 роки тому

    Quit babbling and get to the point!!

    • @ValhallaIronworks
      @ValhallaIronworks  2 роки тому +4

      If you don't like it, watch someone else's channel. It's my video, I can babble all I want.