Forge fires in freezing weather anyone got tips?

[Starstone]

You know how it is when it's super cold and you just want to do a quick bit of work at the forge? Getting the temperature to stay where you need it is a pain. I've been messing around to find easier ways to handle heat, but I'm wondering what you all do. Got any good tricks for keeping the forge temp steady when you're just doing a short winter stint? Spill your secrets so we can all keep our fires burning just right.

 

[forgeandforget]

Last winter, when I was just doing some quick fixes, this happened a lot. Warming up my tools beforehand and keeping a small piece of scrap metal heating while I worked really did the trick. It stopped the forge from cooling down too fast between heats.

 

[crucibleking]

When I first started forging in the cold, my temperatures were all over the place. Now, I block off part of the forge opening to trap more heat. It's a simple trick, but it keeps things steady enough for short sessions.

 

[Lorian]

I used to freeze my fingers off trying to do just one quick job. Now, I let the forge run for a couple of extra minutes before starting and keep my airflow low and steady. This makes the whole process way less annoying in the winter.

 

[FPDoc]

You know how it is when it's super cold and you just want to do a quick bit of work at the forge? Getting the temperature to stay where you need it is a pain. I've been messing around to find easier ways to handle heat, but I'm wondering what you all do. Got any good tricks for keeping the forge temp steady when you're just doing a short winter stint? Spill your secrets so we can all keep our fires burning just right.

Get a small heater that you can put on a timer ahead of time or run out and start it a while before you want to start.. think "apprentice".. can point it to the anvil and have your fav tools laying there to take the chill off. I've used coal for decades so its a bit different.. more heat=crank faster or let it go for a bit and have your coffee before you start. Plug the drafts and insulate the shop for winter. I used stoddard solvent heater/kero (old upright Aladdin) until kerosene prices went out of sight. Use the extra wait time to straighten your work area and plan your work. Lay a piece of hot metal on the anvil face to take the chill off, so you dont chip an edge.. like gramps did. Just some random thoughts.

 

[Starstone]

Get a small heater that you can put on a timer ahead of time or run out and start it a while before you want to start.. think "apprentice".. can point it to the anvil and have your fav tools laying there to take the chill off. I've used coal for decades so its a bit different.. more heat=crank faster or let it go for a bit and have your coffee before you start. Plug the drafts and insulate the shop for winter. I used stoddard solvent heater/kero (old upright Aladdin) until kerosene prices went out of sight. Use the extra wait time to straighten your work area and plan your work. Lay a piece of hot metal on the anvil face to take the chill off, so you dont chip an edge.. like gramps did. Just some random thoughts.

Great tips. I really like the idea of a heater with a timer and the hot metal on the anvil concept is fantastic.. some old-school wisdom, thanks for sharing!