Cable Damascus Info??

Greg Covington

Greg Covington

Joined
Oct 28, 1999
Messages
1,563
Where can I find a good source of info on the "how-to" of making cable damascus????

Anyone here in the forums use cable much?

Thanks in advance!
 
X: I have made a few cable billets but no knives yet. I friend show me an easy way to work the cable. I use a 3 pieces of 5/8s welded together about 6" long. Soak them in gas then light off with a torch to burn off the oils and grease. I weld on a piece of rebar and stick it in the forge. When it is red hot I dip it in a bucket of water and the remaining crud is crystalized. Then reheat flux reheat flux and when the flux dances on the cable remove from forge and shake. If the flux beads fall off your ready to strike. Make sure your cable has no rope inside. dlee
 
I've had some luck with extra improved plowshare cable.

I use a piece 9" to 12". First, I soak it in automotive degreaser for about a week or two, then wash it with a high pressure nozzle. That gets rid of most of the gunk. The rest will burn out in the forge.

I heat to a red heat, turning occasionally, then twist it tighter. Back into the forge to cherry red, then apply a generous amount of flux (anhydrous borax.) Back into the forge. Keep turning occasionally to get an even heat. When the flux is bubbling, and looks like melted honey, it's about ready.

Strike, turn ~45 degrees, repeat. Brush off the cable and reheat. Weld in overlapping sections.

Some say to then twist it tighter, and take another series of welds.

Another good source is "The Pattern Welded Blade" by Jim Hrisoulas.


------------------
Glen AKA Centaur
"It does not do to leave a dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him."
- J. R. R. Tolkein

[This message has been edited by Centaur (edited 05-17-2001).]
 
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