The Creation of a Turret Clock

Really, really f***ing bad coal...

  So, did some demo work this weekend.  I started with finishing off the fourth post and started a side piece of the frame.  Also finished a set of tongs.  Now, this was all much more difficult than it should have been.  The primary reason was the coal.  The coal was giving to me very graciously to tide me over until I could buy some more.  The problem is that the coal was meant for a power plant, not for a blacksmith's forge.  The coal produced heavy clinkers (a glassy by-product of blacksmithing that sticks together at the bottom of the forge) and did not heat very well.  I was fighting the fire most of the time.  So...

  I'm going to dump the coal.  It was a very kind gift but it is unusable.  I am going to be on the road for the next few weeks so I am going to not smith for a few weeks.  I am visiting my parents for Thanksgiving and I have already found a supplier of coal that is on the way.  I should be able to get Pochahantas #3 (the name of a specific coal seam, considered to be one of the best coals for smithing) from them for about $20 per 100.  I'm thinking of getting half a ton.

  I don't usually say too much about personal things here but I do have to say congrats to Muireen!  You deserve it and the reaction of your peers and others show that everyone agrees with me on this one.