I want to take my first attempt at forging damascus. What are the best metals to start with that are the easiest and will give me a nice design? How many layers and how many fold to get the best results. What about original thickness of each metal. Do they all have to be the same thickness?
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damascus
- Thread starter M Ely
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- Joined
- Feb 1, 2000
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- 1,370
In my opinion it's not a bad idea to try using two steels that are similar in heat treating characteristics and also two steels that are high in carbon content. 1084 combined with either L6 or 15n20 meet those criteriaand provides nice contrast. Similarly high tensile metal strapping (usually 1095) and bandsaw blades will work.
Traditional damascus makers might use mild steel and 1095.
My first billet was 1084 and L6 and it welded up with no problems. 1084 and 15n20 seems to be a standard mix now-a-days with a lot of makers. Just try to keep the 15n20 from being on the outside of the billet. It tends to oxidize faster than the 10xx series from what I've heard.
Traditional damascus makers might use mild steel and 1095.
My first billet was 1084 and L6 and it welded up with no problems. 1084 and 15n20 seems to be a standard mix now-a-days with a lot of makers. Just try to keep the 15n20 from being on the outside of the billet. It tends to oxidize faster than the 10xx series from what I've heard.
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2001
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15N20 OR L-6 for the nickle contrast, and 1084 for the contrast (it etches deeper dark than other steels due to manganise content.) 0-1 is great too for performance, but a bit more expensive. The thinner you start with, the more layers you can get faster in the same size billet with fewer heats = better for grain size and carbon loss in the fire. I generally don't go thicker than 1/8 inch stock. I personally havn't had the best luck with 1095 and L-6 mix as far as heat treating, although I know others have good luck with it. You only have a second to bring 1095 below the majic point in order to get full hardness, as opposed to 1084 an 0-1 where you have 4 to 5 seconds. Good luck, and be careful, as once you start making damascus, thats all you'll think about from then on!
- Joined
- Dec 10, 1998
- Messages
- 4,860
Hello,
I see that your from Grafton, your about 30 min away from me. Just wondering what kind of a setup you have to make damascus? Are you planning on doing it all with a hammer and anvil? You might want to start with some cable damascus, it is pretty easy to start, that's how I did it. I usuallu mix 1095, 1084 and 15n20 to get a good contrast, sometimes adding some pure nickel for a better contrast. the 1084 is 1/8in stock and the trat is thinner. Start with about 30 pieces alternating them in the stack. Weld them up, weld on a handle and put it in the fire. Use lots of flux and heat and fulx 3 times before you start to weld. email me off of the forums if you need any more info.
Chuck
I see that your from Grafton, your about 30 min away from me. Just wondering what kind of a setup you have to make damascus? Are you planning on doing it all with a hammer and anvil? You might want to start with some cable damascus, it is pretty easy to start, that's how I did it. I usuallu mix 1095, 1084 and 15n20 to get a good contrast, sometimes adding some pure nickel for a better contrast. the 1084 is 1/8in stock and the trat is thinner. Start with about 30 pieces alternating them in the stack. Weld them up, weld on a handle and put it in the fire. Use lots of flux and heat and fulx 3 times before you start to weld. email me off of the forums if you need any more info.
Chuck
- Joined
- Feb 15, 1999
- Messages
- 11,566
Chucky: I am glad you were paying attention and taken notes, when I introduced you to making damascus.