Found a better way to keep my coal fire hot when I step away from the forge.

I was working on a set of fireplace tools last week and kept having to stop to answer the door or grab a drink. Every time I came back, my fire was down to a dull glow and I'd waste ten minutes getting it back up to a good heat. I got fed up and grabbed an old steel cookie sheet from my kitchen junk drawer. I just laid it flat over the top of the firepot, leaving a small gap at the front for some air. Left it for about twenty minutes while I ate lunch. When I lifted it off, the coal was still a solid, hot mass, ready to go. It's not fancy, but that cookie sheet acts like a big heat sink and lid, slowing the burn way down. Has anyone else tried something like this, or do you have a different trick for a 'pause button' on your coal fire?

2 comments

2 Comments

anthonyy5528d ago

That's a solid hack for a cheap fire keeper. I've used a piece of scrap sheet metal the same way. It beats wasting coal and time while you're busy.

the_phoenix28d ago

Yeah, I've even used an old license plate for that, works like a charm.