Forging AEB-L?

G

gudspelr

Joined
Jul 1, 2013
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I recently received my first bars of AEB-L and am a bit excited. Some of it is slotted for some stock removal blades, but I'd kind of like to forge some small hunters to shape. I know this stainless is used in some of the all stainless Damascus mixes by some of the well known makers out there. So....I was wondering if anyone had some advice on the basic forging of it? Does it need to be worked pretty hot, any problem areas to watch out for?

And on a bit if an odd note... Since it seems difficult to get AEB-L in thicker dimensions, has anyone tried forge welding some thinner stock together? I'm assuming it wouldn't require a seamless weld between the two pieces since it's apparently able to be welded into various patterns in the all stainless Damascus. But then, assuming always has drawbacks...

Any advice is very appreciated.

Jeremy
 
The stainless Damascus makers use seamless welds ( or exclude oxygen another way) for all of their forge welds to the best of my knowledge. For forging stainless you have to keep it in the right temp zone that is much smaller than carbon steels. I am not sure of the specifics for AEB-l but you run the risk of the steel cracking if you are too cool or too hot. Also you need to oven anneal it after you are done forging and that takes upwards of 10-12 hours due to a very very slow cooling process. Like 40 or 50 degrees per hour. Its a lot of hassle and has a reasonable high chance of failure but can be done.
 
If you give it a try Jeremy, maybe go with a three piece weld, sort of sanmai style. Possibly, have less chance of having a weld line along your cutting edge.

Best of luck with it, Craig
 
If you need thicker stainless, just switch to another steel. 440-C comes pretty thick.

Forging stainless isn't a good idea.

Forge welding it and making thicker stock is virtually doomed from the start without a lot of experience and equipment. Without a dedicated controlled damascus forge, HT ovens, power hammers, press, good welders and welding skills, etc. it isn't likely to work at all.
 
Hi, Craig-good to see you here.

Thanks very much for the advice and information. It's good suggestions like these that keeps guys like me from wasting time and materials...


Jeremy
 
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