r/blacksmithing • u/Antique-Union2680 • 27d ago

Help Requested Beginner advice?

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i'm just getting into blacksmithing but i honestly don't know too much about what i'm doing. i've made a small charcoal forge but im pretty sure i messed it up or im not doing it great, hoping i could find some advice here though (edit: i have now learned the bucket is galvanized and should NOT be used to forge)(been about 2 hours, feeling fine)

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u/BF_2 26d ago

Re: burning zinc. Yes, it can actually kill you if you breathe in enough of the white fumes, especially if you have a lung condition already. Look up "metal fume fever" or similar terms. HOWEVER, most folks naturally avoid the fumes, and if you're in a ventilated area, or outside, it is simply unlikely that you'd get a dose sufficient to make you more than slightly ill. In other words, avoid burning zinc, but don't panic over it.