Coal anvil hammer Canister damascus

steelshaper

steelshaper

Joined
Jun 14, 2007
Messages
835
This is my first go at canister damascus. I have had the powder (1095) for some time now but was waiting to finish my press beforre trying this But, I decided to try it the hard way. I started with a 2 inch square tube capped one end filled it with cut offs, some bits of damascus and such, and the powder. I capped the other end welded a handle on and soaked it for a long time. It took quite a bit of coal and muscle but it turned out o.k. One problem before it was welded fully one end opend up. I should have put the caps inside the can not on the ends. You can see the end that opened did not weld very well. Excluding the bad end I should have a bar about 5 1/2 x 5/8 x 1 1/4.

At least I know I can do it.

I would like to open it acordian style. I figure I will cut into it across the 5/8 sides. Any tips on cutting it to make opening it easier? Like how deep should I cut? What should I cut it with? Thanks for your time.
 
I may be mistaken here, but you basically have a random pattern all through the billet. If you accordian cut it, you will lose a lot of damascus and still have a random pattern. I would think that twisting it, will give you a nice pattern, without losing material.

To our experts here that have made a lot more damascus than me, I ask, is my assumption incorrect?
 
Most of the stuff inside runs the length of the bar. I know I will lose some but, it will look more interesting. If I had stacked the pieces, then simply drawing it out and grinding it down it would look cool.
 
Sorry against everyones advice I acordian cut and unfolded it. Heres some pics of whats inside the billet. The piece I forged the blade into looks kinda like bones. I think this knife may get a bone handle

I wanted to say thanks to you guys that have posted stuff on canister damascus. Especially Bruce Bump for his tutorial, it was a huge help.
 
That's very interesting! Nice stuff on your site, I really like the tree root lamp.:D
 
Thanks I am looking forward to having a press. I have all the parts but am not sure about welding it up in the cold. I dont want to have it tear apart the first time I use it. I have so many ideas that a press will make more possible.
I am very happy wth how this turned out. the next time will be with Delbert Ealy damascus scraps. Now that will be cool. Hopefully I will get the press done and can do some real mosaic.
Also is there anything I should know about the powdered steel when I go to heat treat it. Or should I treat this like normal 1095. thanks
 
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