Design

• The side draft forge does not contain a draft on the side as anyone else would see it. Perhaps a better name is the "front draft" forge, since the opening is in the front. There is usually an arched opening that takes up about 3/4 of the entire side or "front" of the forge. The opening is almost always on one of the longer sides of the forge.
  
  

Construction

• A side draft forge can be made from simple materials, including firebricks, concrete and chimney sections. The forge contains a hot box, where the fire is produced, a smoke chamber and a chimney to vent. The hearth can be made from metal or iron and sometimes hearths are constructed from oil barrels or other objects.
  
  

Benefits

• The biggest benefit of a side draft forge is the ability to see inside the forge. This way, a blacksmith can set several pieces of metal in a fire at one time. They can also set them in different ways so they heat faster or slower. It basically allows more freedom of movement and can be much faster when working.
  
  

Building One

• To build a side draft forge you simply need something for the hearth or hot box, a channel to vent the smoke and a heat source. Many blacksmiths will build their forges using welded 1/4-inch steel or iron. They may place the hearth on a flat table or build a concrete structure to house it on. Usually they create them in an area where they can easily access them and turn right from their work to the forge.
  
  

Converting a Fireplace

• In some cases, you can convert a fireplace into a side draft forge, because the fireplace is shaped just like one. The opening to the fireplace is similar to the opening on a forge. However, the fireplace will not get as hot as a metal forge you built yourself. That is because the fireplace vents air quickly and retains less heat. If you want to convert one, consider installing a smaller flu, and building an iron heat reflector inside the hearth to help retain more heat. The other problem is that the opening will be near the floor, so you may consider raising the opening (if possible) by sealing off the lower section of the fireplace.