Canister Damascus

[Propane]

I tried some canister Damascus the billits look good but when I get down to the knife there is always crackes. Any idea what I might be doing wrong. Thanks

 

[Joshua Fisher]

How long are you soaking the canister at welding temp? My guess is either you aren’t fully soaking the can at welding heat or working it too cold during the drawing out, depending on the size of the can they should have atleast 20 minutes at welding heat rotating the can every 5 minutes. Also what are you putting in the canister and did you clean the pieces really well? Might be helpful to explain your process more so people can help troubleshoot

 

[Propane]

Hey thank you very much. I may be doing both I soak it pretty long but not full 20 min. Also I tend to get in a hurry when working it. I just joined form because I have no help just learning from youtube and they tend to leave out the important beginner stuff. Thanks again will try your advise. Nice to have help.

 

[Tom Lewis]

What size can are you using? Like Joshua said, what are you putting in the can? How are you forging the can? Are you welding up all the seams? Is the can packed with powdered steel?
If I do a two inch square can I leave it in at welding heat 30 minutes before taking it to the hydraulic press that has V dies. The can needs to be reduced maybe 30% . Using the press I can feel when the can has been reduced.

 

[Propane]

I'm using scrap from a welding shop. My first mistake was making 4 bilits because they looked good but when I started making knifes they all have cracked in them. After some feedback and four knifes I think I need to soak longer and do one at a time.

 

[12345678910]

I'm using scrap from a welding shop. My first mistake was making 4 bilits because they looked good but when I started making knifes they all have cracked in them. After some feedback and four knifes I think I need to soak longer and do one at a time.

Scrap from a welding shop is not knife steel. Not harden-able, not useful

 

[Propane]

Scrap for the canister. I'm using 1095 powder with 51200 ball bearings in one, motor cycle chain in two and chain saw chain in one

 

[Ken H>]

what type of press are you using? I've wanted to try some canister but only have "arm 'n hammer" for a "press" and I'm not sure hammering would work as weak as my arms are.

 

[Propane]

Arm and hammer no press

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Arm and hammer no press

There is the likely issue! I won't say it can't be done, but the failure rate will be high.

Also, when doing chain billets, the stuff has to be cleaned well and free of all dirt and gunk. Chain billets are known for flaws, pockets, and cracks. One issue is that everything in a chainsaw blade or motorcycle chain isn't necessarily hardenable. Think about it, you sharpen a chainsaw with a file.

 

[Ken H>]

There is the likely issue! I won't say it can't be done, but the failure rate will be high.

That's why I've not tried a canister for that Campo meteorite stuff I've got. I won't say that's the "only" reason I just ordered that 12 ton press, but it did factor into the decision. Should be here by end of April.

 

[Propane]

There is the likely issue! I won't say it can't be done, but the failure rate will be high.

Also, when doing chain billets, the stuff has to be cleaned well and free of all dirt and gunk. Chain billets are known for flaws, pockets, and cracks. One issue is that everything in a chainsaw blade or motorcycle chain isn't necessarily hardenable. Think about it, you sharpen a chainsaw with a file.

Thanks for info. I'll stick to ball bearings.