Delamination with feather pattern

[weo]

Hello all. I think the answer is "yes" but I wanted to ask the experts.

As I've been playing with the feather pattern, on some billets where I'm trying to get a low layer count, there's some edge delamination as I'm forging the blades

Is this because I'm trying for a low layer count and not reducing the billet size by the standard 50% to ensure adequate welding of the layers?

Thanks

 

[weo]

On a related note, if the above is correct, my question evolves to how do y'all prevent this after the last stacking weld before splitting the billet?

 

[jdm61]

Bruce Bump did a tutorial a few years back. He said that he welds the corners of the stack before splitting to prevent delamination.

 

[Bruce Bump]

Bruce Bump did a tutorial a few years back. He said that he welds the corners of the stack before splitting to prevent delamination.

Yes, I like to mig weld all the seams and sharpen the cleave to about 1/8”-1/4” flat cutting edge. Too dull of a cleave will rip snot out of the seams, too sharp and It just cuts instead of drags the pattern down. Be sure the stack is dang close to welding heat and don’t try to do the cleaving in one heat if the chisel tip dulls out. Speed is not the trick, reheat and sharpen the tip as needed for consistent results.
Sprinkle a bit of anhydrous borax on the stack to prevent decarb and unwanted scale, just needs to be wet not dripping off

 

[jdm61]

Bruce, was it you who talked about coating the chisel with graphite powder to keep ti from sticking/welding to the stack?

Yes, I like to mig weld all the seams and sharpen the cleave to about 1/8”-1/4” flat cutting edge. Too dull of a cleave will rip snot out of the seams, too sharp and It just cuts instead of drags the pattern down. Be sure the stack is dang close to welding heat and don’t try to do the cleaving in one heat if the chisel tip dulls out. Speed is not the trick, reheat and sharpen the tip as needed for consistent results.
Sprinkle a bit of anhydrous borax on the stack to prevent decarb and unwanted scale, just needs to be wet not dripping off

 

[Bruce Bump]

Yes, but it isn’t graphite although that might just work, it was charcoal. Simply smash up a charcoal briquette and dip the chisel in water to cool it and then sprinkle the charcoal on.

 

[jdm61]

I remember someone saying that they used graphite powder and thought it was you as you had the most memorable feather tutorial.

Yes, but it isn’t graphite although that might just work, it was charcoal. Simply smash up a charcoal briquette and dip the chisel in water to cool it and then sprinkle the charcoal on.