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How to Use Coke in a Forge

Using coke in a forge is a cheap and effective way to attain appropriate temperatures to heat your metal to its point of malleability. Coke is a term used for coal rock that has been heated without being combusted in an airless furnace. This material appears spongy and is lighter than regular coal. Coke is to coal as charcoal is to wood.

Things You'll Need

Coke
Forge
Lighter fluid
Wood kindling
Fan

Instructions

- 1
  Ensure the hole in the bottom of your forge is clear to allow air to flow upwards into the forge. If you do not have a forge, you can use an old bottom half of a barbecue, as long as you are able to make a 1- to 2-inch diameter air hole in the center of the bottom. This will allow air to be sucked up by the fire, feeding it oxygen.
- 2
  In the bottom of your forge, make a small fire using some wood kindling and lighter fluid.
- 3
  Pile small pieces of coke onto the fire once it gets going, adding more and more until the coke begins to burn itself.
- 4
  Keep a fan blowing air onto the burning coke to keep the fire as hot as possible, while adding more coke as it burns down.

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