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The type of fuel that is recommended to use is semibituminous coal or bituminous coal. The perfect fuel will be low in ash, sulfur, water and high in carbon. Coal having a high carbon content gives a certain reaction when burned that is desirable; it sticks together forming a product called coke. Steps to Lighting a Fire in the Forge: 1. Fill the forge half full with coal and level across. 2. Sprinkle approximately two cans of water across the coal and let it soak in for a few minutes. 3. Gather some kindling and a small rag or cloth together while waiting for the water to soak in. 4. Starting in the center of the forge remove the pieces of coal and place them around the outside at even intervals so that when the grating is clear it looks like you have created a volcano. 5. Light the cloth and place flame side down on the grating. Use the blower to send small puffs of air to the fire, feeding it and keeping it going. 6. Tightly stack the kindling on top of the cloth continuing to use the blower and force air up through the fire. **A steady stream of air needs to be delivered at this point by the blower** 7. Start using the coal on the outside and place it at the edges of the fire. As the cloth burns away and the kindling drops down place several pieces of coal in the center of the fire. The fire should pull together and have a solid glow to it now. Be cautious not to add to much Green Coal or new coal to the fire because it can can excessive smoke |