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[Bryan Derksen]

I usually just install a set of vertical bars (not a grate) in the magma pipe before I open the floodgate and let the magma through. It only requires one bar of magma-safe metal to construct, not much at all in the grand scheme of things.

One thing to keep in mind, flowing magma will push boulders along and bars/grates/fortifications will stop them, so if you put it right behind a floodgate the floodgate might get wedged open by them for however long it takes the boulders to melt away. Gave me an unpleasant shock in one fortress, though fortunately I'd designed my magma system so that it couldn't overflow in the interim.

[Axe27]

Well, you live and you learn.

So, channeling from above, is now my new method of doing things.

[JacobGreyson]

I have a very specific way of dealing with magma forges.

The first thing I do is dig out a set of strips, each with two spaces of rock between them. These strips are all connected to a cross member, which extends into the pipe. I set in an Iron or steel (or Bauxite, if I remembered to bring some) grate right next to the magma pipe's still unbreached wall. Then, I head up and quickly open the magma pipe's native floor and channel out the last magma wall directly beside the grate. The magma will flow into the strips, which can be selectively channeled out and always have plenty of magma in them, and won't have enough magma in one big spot to spontaneously start generating Fire Imps (or something like that. I can't verify what exactly happened that time). Plus, it just seems much more efficient.

[Porpoisepower]

I usually dig out a room 3 squares wide right next to the pipe, smooth the warm wall and dig a fortification out of it... the extra room seems to dramatically increase the survival rate...

[Dareon Clearwater]

Well, you live and you learn.

Or, more accurately, your dwarves die and you learn.