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My coal forge almost burned down the shed because I forgot one simple thing
I was working on a set of fireplace tools in my backyard shop here in Boise, really getting into the rhythm of it. Had a good heat going in the old rivet forge, hammering away on a poker. Turned around to grab a different tong from the rack, maybe for ten seconds. Heard this loud whoosh and a crackle. The whole firepot had bridged over with clinker I hadn't broken up, and the coal gases built up and ignited all at once. A fireball shot straight up, licking the dry wood rafters of my open shed. I grabbed the hose I keep filled and ready, sprayed the ceiling down before the old timber could catch. Took me a solid hour to clean the mess and calm down. Now I check and break that clinker every five minutes, no exceptions. Anyone else have a close call that changed a basic habit for good?
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chen.james6mo ago
Man, that sound is terrifying. A buddy of mine had a similar scare with his gas forge, left the valve open a tiny bit by mistake overnight. Woke up to the whole garage smelling like propane, could have blown the door off. He triple checks his shutoff routine now, like a pilot with a checklist. Makes you realize how fast a small mistake can turn into a big problem, right?
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