Preparing to Tap the Furnace.

Skinningrove Ironworks. At the date of this photograph, the tap hole was opened by hammer and crowbar; a tough and dangerous task. Although “wind” or (blast) was reduced in pressure, the molten iron could burst out of the taphole with some force. The clothing of the furnacemen did not give any protection. Safety didn’t figure in the good old days. Above the men the large diameter pipe (Bustle Main) carried the hot blast, a small pipe (Gooseneck) leads down to the “tuyere” by which the hot “blast” entered the Furnace.

Image (from a glass plate negative) courtesy Dave Mcgill.