How do you light coal?

Originally posted by ESpy
Depends on the coal. Size of the chunks, hardness etc. makes a difference. Smaller bits -> greater surface area -> easier to burn, up to a point. Fines are a bit too fine, as they'll block the air getting in. Peter
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Traditionally no smaller than a pea at most. Once upon a time available in this size.

Originally posted by ESpy
LOX would work... :D ;)
Peter
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Reference to this nut who has started charcol in 3 seconds with Liquid OXygen: (courtesy of Archive.org)
http://web.archive.org/web/20010208101450/http://ghg.ecn.purdue.edu/~ghg/
He mentions using Nitrous Oxide (slower and more easily handled and thereby "safer") near the bottom of this page:
http://www.ambrosiasw.com/Ambrosia_Times/September_95/2.5HowTo.html
 
i just get a small paper fire going and then a few pieces of kindling, start off with a slow light air blast, then a little coal over it making sure there are some good air holes for the fire to breather through the coal. and start the blast a little faster and gradually add coal untill you have a decent fire.
 
Tom, why mess with coal come on down on a Saturday and we will build you a gas forge. I would send you some of my relish if you use coal, but it would probably eat thru the coal and the forge and then ignite.:eek: :eek: :D
 
Thanks for the offer george
I'm just doing this for fun. If i was serious i'd go for gas quickly.
We picked up the forge today.
I got the forge, a box of tools and a british seagull outboard motor for $150. The motor is sold already so we have the forge and the box of tongs and stuff free. Even the coal is free.
I'm going to start with some hardware for a shed I got up last year.
I thank everybody for the information. It's going to save a lot of time and frustration.
 
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