Placing the air holes. This was done now so as to reduce the risk of the cement cracking or splitting after it had set solid. These holes will be important in ensuring the forge reaches a correct temprature.

Placement of the holes is near the center where the majority of the heat will be concentrated, but not ON the center where they could prove to be a structural hazard.

This was done with a biro. I'll drill them out after tempering the cement

Now to leave the cement to set.