Forges 101
The beginning of forge design is the study of burners. The proper end point of burner design is the equipment they power. Lumped together, these subjects are too unwieldy; at the same time, they can't stand-alone, since their study is as intertwined as the equipment itself.
What kind of forge is best is an arbitrary question, without any adequate answer. But, whatever design you favor, there are common factors which lead to a desired end point--or away from it.
Size: Bigger is never
Thomas,
Isn't it amazing how you can make such a significant leading statement as that, and be totally ignored by the willfully ignorant? Ever feel like you're stuck making a movie with the Three Stooges?
Exhaust openings:
One thing the backyard casters and black smiths both worry over is how large to make the exhaust openings on there equipment. Too small and you have high back pressure killing burner performance; too large and you can't get enough heat to stay within the equipme