Originally posted by Lenny Rat:

BTW, if you intend to only build a few main bases, such as I am, I’d recommend you start with a minimum area 10x10 square for the footprint of your main building. That is large enough to house your living space, all workbenches, a kiln/smelter, and 5 or 6 portals. Leave some additional space outside for some crops and hives. Then dig your moat.

Re-digging and filling in moats as you grow is no fun!

Thanks for the reply Lenny. Why do you feel the smelter and charcoal furnace should be inside? Mine are outside now and I have no difficulties I see except the dwarfs and greylings beat on them at times.