Canister Damascus question

G

Gosolo

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Sep 17, 2020
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I’m getting ready to try some canisters. Have been happily making regular Damascus for a couple years. Mostly 1084, 1095, or W2 with 15n20. I always surface sand/grind all the mating surfaces. I was thinking about cutting up the various scraps of 15n20 I have accumulated for a canister. How would you clean this up to insure a good weld?
 
Scale resists welding, so remove it. Rust won't be an issue, but it should be brushed off.
 
A weep hole is a personal decision. If the can is compacted fully and welded properly, it should not explode. Spraying anything in the canister or using white-out that has not dried can cause problems.
The best method it to vibrate and compact the powder fully and the weld on the end. Heat longer than you think is enough and compact in the press. Draw out about 75% reduction and then grind off the canister. If it was. 0.60" to start with it will be just a few thousandths after all the heats and reduction. Pealing the can is for FIF, not a practical shop.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
A weep hole is a personal decision. If the can is compacted fully and welded properly, it should not explode. Spraying anything in the canister or using white-out that has not dried can cause problems.
The best method it to vibrate and compact the powder fully and the weld on the end. Heat longer than you think is enough and compact in the press. Draw out about 75% reduction and then grind off the canister. If it was. 0.60" to start with it will be just a few thousandths after all the heats and reduction. Pealing the can is for FIF, not a practical shop.
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This is some good information and I like the idea of vibration to compact the mass. I guess my primary question was missed.
When I am prepping pieces for my regular layered Damascus, I surface all the pieces to remove all the mill scale and contaminates. Most of the little pieces that I have accumulated are too small for that. I’m considering trying to clean these by putting them in my cartridge brass cleaner that vibrates the cartridges in crushed walnut shells. Is there another way? Or is it not that important?
 
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