Listen up, a good forge is all about timing and heat. First, keep the fuel tight—no drifting coals, use seasoned wood or coal in neat layers so the fire stays steady. Second, make the bellows face the fire, not the workpiece; that saves a lot of wasted breath. Third, use a good draft. A well‑lined chimney pulls the heat out, keeps the forge hot but not smoking. And don’t forget a good bellows rhythm; it keeps the flame even and lets the metal heat uniformly. If you want to fine‑tune that belt, use a simple iron tap on the wheel’s outer edge to keep it tight, then let it cool slowly. Keep the heat steady, the fuel tidy, and your hammer will never feel like it’s fighting a stubborn storm.