What I have learned so far?
I need to learn my forge better. My first attempt I burnt basically a valley through the bottom of my forge (I need to fix that forge since it is better then my other one IMHO). Use lots of flux (borax), and work around the piece not just hammering out sides when welding. Also keep the piece hot to help prevent cracks (use lots of flux) and don't try to keep hammering for tooo long (it cools and I believe that was why I picked up a couple of cracks).
For my next session on the forge my goals were to work a slight twist out, and forge weld the butt end of the knife! I had experimented with some rather nice (if I don't say so myself filework) and was actualy really rather happy with the blade being that is was my nicest forging work!
Of course what I quickly learned is that I needed to learn my forge better since I melted half of the blade off!!!!!
I am upset about that since the knife was looking good and it is supposed to be a gift for my Battalion Commander who is retiring (he is a really good guy). Good thing there is more cable!! I forge welded farther back making more blade area but I am having trouble (just not in the groove today) getting the blade strait and working all the twists and bends out!
I have to say Thank You to Bruce for the cable!!!!!
I'm going to be going to Hood again for a short trip and will be back so I don't have much time to complete this! Hope fully I can do it in time, wish me luck!
I wish I had pictures before I melted off half the blade!!!
I need to learn my forge better. My first attempt I burnt basically a valley through the bottom of my forge (I need to fix that forge since it is better then my other one IMHO). Use lots of flux (borax), and work around the piece not just hammering out sides when welding. Also keep the piece hot to help prevent cracks (use lots of flux) and don't try to keep hammering for tooo long (it cools and I believe that was why I picked up a couple of cracks).
For my next session on the forge my goals were to work a slight twist out, and forge weld the butt end of the knife! I had experimented with some rather nice (if I don't say so myself filework) and was actualy really rather happy with the blade being that is was my nicest forging work!
Of course what I quickly learned is that I needed to learn my forge better since I melted half of the blade off!!!!!
I am upset about that since the knife was looking good and it is supposed to be a gift for my Battalion Commander who is retiring (he is a really good guy). Good thing there is more cable!! I forge welded farther back making more blade area but I am having trouble (just not in the groove today) getting the blade strait and working all the twists and bends out!I have to say Thank You to Bruce for the cable!!!!!
I'm going to be going to Hood again for a short trip and will be back so I don't have much time to complete this! Hope fully I can do it in time, wish me luck!
I wish I had pictures before I melted off half the blade!!!
And you're welcome!.