Controling sparks from a forge?

[bindlestitch]

Hey guys,
Anybody have any ideas on keeping the sparks under control when I'm using the blower on my forge? I use charwood if that's something pertinent (hah used a big word). I use it outside and I'm afraid I'm gonna catch my (or my neighbor's) grass on fire or worse yet our houses. It looks like one of them fourth of July fountains when I kick on the air.
Any info is much appreciated.
Later,
Iz

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

You need a choke on the air flow. Either a speed control on the power to the blower, a choke plate on the air gate, or a valve in the air line. There should not be any more air flowing than the amount needed to make the fire workable. The other thing too much air does ( besides ruin the steel?) is burn up the fuel way too fast. A good smith can work all afternoon on the single bucket of coal he carried in one hand. Learning to control the fire pot is one of the first things taught in blacksmithing classes.

Unless you are smelting iron, there should be few or no sparks.
Stacy

 

[Sam Salvati]

Stacy, I think by charwood he means charcoal (the real stuff), in which case it might be putting out alot of sparks if you are running a hot fire and working other than small things.

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

I keep a hose handy when I'm working, it would be wise for you to do the same or get a nice big fire extinguisher. I have experimented with various types of charcoal and they are not all equal when it comes to popping and sparking.

Andy

 

[bindlestitch]

Thanks everybody.:thumbup:
Stacy,
I hear you. I'm a novice with a forge and it's homemade. And I'm not forging really. I'm using it for heat treat until I get an oven. I'll give air restriction some thought and see what I can come up with. Thanks.
Sam,
Yeah I'm using charcoal hardwood. And yes sir, it sparks like crazy.
Andy,
I'm with you on the hose and extinguisher. I keep 'em handy just in case but I'm still nervous about it. I don't use it when it's dry out of course but still I worry.
Much obliged everybody for the suggestions.
Later,
Iz