How it works
A forge is the blacksmith's hearth: a coal fire blown hot with air from below. The first view cuts a coal forge through the middle, so the fire pot and tuyere show.
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Where the air goes
The blower forces air along the blast pipe and up through the tuyere, the slotted nozzle in the bottom of the fire pot. The fire pot is the hollow in the hearth that holds the fire. Under the tuyere is the ash dump, a door that lets ashes fall out.
The fire and the smoke
The heart of the fire is burning coke, in and above the fire pot. Green coal, which is fresh coal, is banked around it. Over the fire, the hood collects the smoke and the smoke pipe carries it away.
- A forge may be blown by a bellows in place of the blower. The second view shows one.
Questions and answers
What are the parts of a forge called?
A coal forge has a hearth with a fire pot in the middle. Air comes from a blower or bellows along the blast pipe and enters through the tuyere. Below it is the ash dump. Above the fire are the hood and smoke pipe.
What is a tuyere?
The nozzle at the bottom of the fire pot, where the air enters the fire. Its small openings let air through and keep ashes and cinders from dropping into the blast pipe.
What is a slack tub?
A tub of water kept beside the forge. Hot work is cooled in it, and tongs are dipped in it to keep them cold.
How is a fire pot different from a hearth?
The hearth is the flat top of the forge. The fire pot is the hollow in the middle of the hearth. It holds the fire and keeps it from spreading.