Homemade Damascus

T

Temper

Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
3,011
Guys,
I have managed to source a new anvil for free (slab of inch thick plate :D )

I have always wanted to have a go at making some Damascus but I have no access to the chemicals used to keep it clean. However, since its an old process surely there is a home remedy that I can use or should I just make sure things are as clean as I can get them and the forge hot enough?

I'm going to build a little charcoal forge before I try this as the BBQ will probably melt and I feel I am losing a lot of heat.

Any suggestions? I dont really mind if it dosent work too well, I just have a hankering to pound some steel :D
 
To clean it, grind it clean. Use grocery store Borax as a flux (20 mule team).

You can build a fairly good coal/charcoal forge from an old brake drum and a blower. Remember, charcoal makes lots of sparks so position it accordingly.
 
Thanks Peter,
Its really hard to find some things here in Japan, fortunately I am off to S.F in the morning and will be sure to pick some of that up.
 
H.
Yeah, I am going to make a big ball of paper, cover it with fine chicken mesh and them mould the clay on top of that. I will then burn out the paper and Voila! Instant forge, just add charcoal and bring to a boil :D

I'm looking at scrounging an old hairdryer as a blower for it, if I get it before I start, I will mold the clay into a tube the same size as the dryer.

I'm thinking of going about 15 inches long by 10 wide and about 7 high. If its in a 'loaf' shape and the opening is in the logical place where would the blower be ideally situated?

Or, should I make it more complex and fit a cavity under where the coals are going to go, so that the air comes from underneath? If this is the right way, and I am trying to make damascus, would the ash and crud coming off the coals interfere with the welds, or will the borax pretty much have it covered?
 
If you plan on forge welding I suggest a stronger blower then a hair dryer and a deeper fire then 7", I'd say 8-10" deep. Some people could probably get it to work with that little air and depth, but it'd be giving yourself an extra challenge when you don't really need to. While it's cleaner, charcoal doesn't get as hot as regular coal so it's tough to get it up to welding temp, that's why lots of people use a propane forge to weld even if they normally use charcoal for forging.
 
Just a suggestion, try to get in touch with a smith in that area. There are plenty around AND they are always looking for hammerers. Trust me on that one.

Craig
 
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