First time...

[JustinNC]

we shall see how it goes tomorrow evening.

[Tower]

That's the way I do it. Looks like your on the right track. Ease the fire up, & about 3 inches of dirt compacted. Unfortunately with the fire dangers here in TX. Any outside fire would probably put you in jail.

[JustinNC]

These were per Mr Parker's (the one in FL) instructions. I got about 3" of compacted sand on top. 2 bags of charcoal and a bottle of lighter fluid. If it don't work, I'll blame him .

[RickB]

Justin. I start the charcoal in the morning and take the rock out the afternoon of the third day. I find that the rock is pretty hot if you try to get it out the day after you light the fire. Bring some to the NC Knap-IN. See you there, Rick B

[JustinNC]

Not going to be able to make it to the knapp in unfortunately. This is some Cowboy rock along with a couple other odds and in's. Trial and error. I probably wont be able to check it tomorrow evening anyway.

[mullet]

 If they are blown up when you check it, go with one bag next time. That's a lot of charcoal for that small tire rim. That round metal I'm using is almost 40" across.

[JustinNC]

most of what i put in arent good pieces anyway...what i did like is under about 6-8" of sand in the bottom. i just wanted to see how each material reacted and at what depth...some probably didnt need heat but i heated some not so good shaped pieces to see what itd do

[cowboy]

Looks like it aughta work. Those that you planted 6 to 8 inches down probably won't be affected. That tx stuff i bury somewhere between 2 1/2 to 3 inches compacted and keep a fire on it all day with about four inches of coals by the time it gets dark. Man it really slicks em up..

[JustinNC]

Looking back Paul...theyre not that deep. The whole thing is probably 9-10" tall. There was about 2-3" of sand in the bottom, and the coal is about an inch below the surface...so Id guess around 4-5" or so...we'll see....Lowes has charcoal on sale right now if it dont.

[JustinNC]

still had red coals on it this evening

[soy]

Forgive my ignorance, but what are you doing 

[JustinNC]

Heat treating rock

[soy]

What do you accomplish by heating the rock?

[JustinNC]

It's finiiisshhhed.


Had some that sploded that was up high and in the center. Only lost 2 pieces, had one or two other pieces that had a piece popped of. Haven't got to see the workability. Got one or two pieces that were down low that might go again next round just to see how it goes.

[JustinNC]

Wow...works great!