Anhydrus Borax

Joined
Mar 26, 2000
Messages
658
Any one know of a Canadian source for Anhydrus borax. I have been using the 20 mule team type with adition of carbon black up until now. Thats how I was showen.

However the new hydralic press is up and running and I would like to try the anhydrus type of borax. Some smiths here say its better, so I gotta try it. However shipping it from the USA would be very costly, so I need a local source.

Whats this stuffs main use anyhow. If I new what it was used for other than a forge welding flux I might be able to source it locally.

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Robert
Flat Land Knife Works
rdblad@telusplanet.net
http://members.tripod.com/knifeworks/index.html
 
Robert-

I bought mine at a clay art center...so if you know of a local pottery place, or can find one you will probably be in luck.

I know a maker that uses some stuff that's pre-made with a high percentage of anhydrous borax...but I'm not sure what else is in it. Anyway, it works very well, and if you can find any sort of black-smith shop near you they would probably have it.

AND, there is some stuff that K&G carries that's supposed to be the cat's meow...several other makers were talking to me about it in Eugene. I guess you use very little and it works better than borax...you might give them a try.

Let us know how the press works out!!!
biggrin.gif


Nick
 
In "The pattern Welded Blade," Jim Hrisoulas says that you can make anhydrous borax from the 20 mule team stuff. What is needed is to melt it, and release the chemical water. Then when it's cool, grind it with a mortar & pestle. He's also got a severe warning about the process as well, it's rather damgerous. Might be worth a read.

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Glen AKA Centaur
"It does not do to leave a dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him."
- J. R. R. Tolkein
 
Thanks for the info guys.
I checked with the local potery,clay and brick manufacturer today and they only stock hydrus borax. I think this is the same as the 20 mule team type.
However not all was lost as I ordered enough kao wool to double line my two new forges.
The press works great, the dies need some refining. pictures to follow in a few days.

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Robert
Flat Land Knife Works
rdblad@telusplanet.net
http://members.tripod.com/knifeworks/index.html
 
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