I figured that I would post this here too (also at CDK and Sword Forums/Bladesmith's Cafe) for anyone like me that was apprehensive about jumping in:
Great that the forums are back!
I went over to Ron Claiborne's house yesterday and forge-welded (forged for the first time!) an L6/Nickel billet. With Ron's guidance, successful weld of (initially) 52 layers- first time out!!! I have to say that with friendly, knowledgeable guidance and help, this was MUCH easier than I had expected. I learned more in one 8-hour session than in reading ALL of the books and posts over the last couple of years, got over my reservations of the 50lb trip hammer in his shop! I am SO stoked!!!! We lost a good deal of steel (still plenty there) because of the numerous heats while he was showing me the ropes, and my wife looked at me like I was a lunatic as I came home with a grin a mile wide and a billet 14" long, 1-1/2 inches wide, and 3/4 inch thick, ugly as all hell with scale. We got to 105 layers with it, and will fold it once more and beat a random pattern into it next session.
Anyone out there that has the opportunity to take advantage of this kind of gift take advantage of it. I came away with invaluable knowledge and was able to start a great friendship- priceless!
Thanx Ron!
------------------
Don Carter
"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once."
Albert Einstein
Great that the forums are back!
I went over to Ron Claiborne's house yesterday and forge-welded (forged for the first time!) an L6/Nickel billet. With Ron's guidance, successful weld of (initially) 52 layers- first time out!!! I have to say that with friendly, knowledgeable guidance and help, this was MUCH easier than I had expected. I learned more in one 8-hour session than in reading ALL of the books and posts over the last couple of years, got over my reservations of the 50lb trip hammer in his shop! I am SO stoked!!!! We lost a good deal of steel (still plenty there) because of the numerous heats while he was showing me the ropes, and my wife looked at me like I was a lunatic as I came home with a grin a mile wide and a billet 14" long, 1-1/2 inches wide, and 3/4 inch thick, ugly as all hell with scale. We got to 105 layers with it, and will fold it once more and beat a random pattern into it next session.
Anyone out there that has the opportunity to take advantage of this kind of gift take advantage of it. I came away with invaluable knowledge and was able to start a great friendship- priceless!
Thanx Ron!
------------------
Don Carter
"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once."
Albert Einstein
