So, I got into this whole crafting and building thing, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. My latest project? A bricked blast furnace. Sounds simple, right? Nope. Not at all.
I started by gathering a bunch of firebricks. I mean, who knew there were so many types of bricks? Anyway, I laid down a 3×3 foundation with these firebricks. It looked pretty solid if I do say so myself. Then, I built a hollow ring on top of that foundation, also out of firebricks. It was kind of like making a weird, brick donut. In the front center, I placed what I like to call the “controller” – the Bricked Blast Furnace Controller.
Next, I added two more hollow rings on top. It was starting to look like a furnace, or maybe a really fancy well. I made sure to leave the top center block empty, just like the instructions said. At this point, I was feeling pretty good. I had a structure, and it didn’t immediately fall apart. That’s a win in my book.
Here’s where things got a bit tricky. I thought I was ready to fire this baby up, but nope. Turns out, I needed a pre-heater. And not just any pre-heater, the right kind of pre-heater. Apparently, there’s a different one for blast furnaces than for, say, coke ovens. Who knew? So, I made sure I had the correct one and slapped it on the side of my furnace. I also learned that you can have up to two pre-heaters on the sides, which is pretty cool.
I tried to get this thing going, but no luck. It just stood there, looking all bricky and useless. I was puzzled. I followed the instructions, used the right materials, and even placed the controller correctly. I scratched my head, I did some digging online. Some folks mentioned connecting a hopper directly to the controller to insert fuel and raw materials. I might try that if I completely take it apart again. I mean I read about someone who had a similar issue and had to remove it to the left side of the working one and it worked so, you know, it’s possible.
- Gather firebricks
- Build a 3×3 foundation
- Create a hollow ring on top
- Place the Bricked Blast Furnace Controller in the front center
- Add two more hollow rings
- Leave the top center block empty
- Get the correct pre-heater
- Attach the pre-heater to the side (or two pre-heaters, if you’re feeling fancy)
My Goal
I’ve heard whispers that you need something like 5 steel and 2 charcoal blocks to cook your first steel. I’m not even sure if that’s true, but hey, I’m willing to try anything at this point. Someone also mentioned that there’s no other way to make steel, even in the later stages. It’s like this bricked blast furnace is the gatekeeper of steel, and I need to figure out how to appease it.
I wanted to create this continuously from the molten iron stage to the final steel product stage. I mean it all sounds like a big process that requires the entire blast furnace and steelworks are under operation 24/7 all through the year! But that’s it, I want to make it work.
Anyway, that’s where I’m at with my bricked blast furnace adventure. It’s been frustrating, but also kind of fun in a weird, masochistic way. I’ll keep you guys updated on my progress. Maybe one day, I’ll actually be able to make some steel. Until then, wish me luck!
