Forge welding laminated billet by hand?

I don't have great pictures of this blade, but I made it by hand at a hammer-in two years ago. It is an old Nickleson file sandwiched between wrought iron. Good clean weld and a good etch and polish highlighted the transition line nicely.




 
Looks pretty good to me! Although I won't have anyone to hold the billet for me. It's literally just yours truly with some tongs and hammer. Should be interesting. I'll post some pics when I get a chance to give this a try after class next month. Great information so far!
 
I'm curious, I will be doing this by hand as well pretty soon. I know that it doesn't take much for the metals to weld, but is it detrimental at all to use forge, rather to take advantage of the extra heat to do some drawing-out while it's still that hot ? Or should one spend one heat to weld, and draw out at lower temps?
 
I always forge weld in at least 2 heats. Though a weld will set by just contacting (ask me how I know:eek:) the hammer pushes the materials closer. The first weld I do a light tap or press to get the billet solid. Second heat I push a little harder and square it all back up again. Then subsequent heats I go to town. This is all done at welding temps. Working a laminated billet at lower temps can cause delaminations. Not good.
 
Thanks, everybody, for your input and advise! Tons of good info! I'll make note and report back in about a month after I do my first welds in class. Then, it'll be time to experiment. :D
 
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