flux choices?

rocketmann

rocketmann

Joined
Dec 24, 2005
Messages
1,254
I have been using good ole 20 mule team borax with fair/good results and I was wondering if any one is using the fluxes from centaur forge? They claim that anti-borax, EZ weld, sure weld and cherry heat welding compound will weld steel at a much lower temp, git rid of all impurities and give a strong smooth weld. Sure weld is supposedly made special for gas forges.. Is this just hype??:confused: :confused:
 
I've used many fluxes. I like their anti-borax for general open-air welding. (It could use a touch of flouspar for a more aggressive action, though).
If I'm not mistaken, EZ Weld has metal bits in it. I don't like this. I've used it and sometimes this extra material shows up as a different-colored line on a seam. It looks like a mistake.
I use laundry Borax in a super-saturated boiling solution sometimes on high-layer count initial set ups. I leave them in the tub to cool and they come out looking like rock candy--covered in crystals. I knock most of it off the outside and wrap in SS tool wrap for the initial weld in the press.

For open-air welding, I find the anti-flux is heavier--less fluffy--so when you sprinkle it on more lands on your part and isn't blown away by rising heat drafts, etc.
 
nevermind....

Sorry, Joe....didn't see your post. I'm running a 100 yards behind everyone else, tonight... :)
 
Haha! We're all on stomping around on the same turf!
Hey, if I missed something, I'd like know your experience.
 
My concern is only for fluorite (flourspar)-containing fluxes. I have a little concern they may give off gases which could be toxic, and was going to caution for good ventilation.

It's just a skittishness about flourine compounds. I saw a guy lose a big hunk of muscle and skin from a hydrofluoric acid burn once. it's necrotic, essentially, and eats into skin. I hated using that stuff in the lab because unlike other strong acids you can't neutralize it once it lays on the skin. An HF burn in the lungs would be deadly.

I think Hrisoulas uses it regularly, and he's still around, so one can use it safely, obviously.......

Just something to read up on carefully before jumping in. :)
 
That's something to keep in mind, for sure. I just assume any fume associated with forging is hazardous.
The whole knifemaking thing is a mine field of hazards, which is probably part of why we enjoy it, I think.
 
I used to use nothing but 20 mule team, but since trying the flux K&G sells I've all but given up on 20 mule team. I don't know what's in it, but it works and works well, and though a little pricey compared to plain old 20 mule team, you use a heck of a lot less.
 
If you're using 20 mule team for traditional forge welding, I think the anhydrous "antiborax' is a better mousetrap.
 
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