[TheForge] Coal Forges & water

[Chuck Robinson]

Some types of blacksmithing coal need water to improve the coking process.
Some don't.
The Alabama coal I used to use had a large percentage of fines in it, and 
consequently I would soak it in a bucket before adding it to the forge fire 
to make my coke, and form a cave more easily.
The Pocahontas #3 that Buddy Leonard sells down here cokes fine without 
water.

The best water dipper I have seen was a copper cylinder about 5" in diameter 
and about 6" tall riveted to a 2 ' handle. The top side of the cylinder had 
about 10 small holes drilled in to one side of the cylinder from 1" to 2" 
inches from the top.
With this dipper you could easily control the direction and amount of water 
you poured onto the fire,
Chuck