Newbie: Can't get layers to weld

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Thanks, I could just read the headlines : "New knifemaker burns self severly and destroys house".

 

[Willie71]

Thanks, I could just read the headlines : "New knifemaker burns self severly and destroys house".

I tried to quench a blade in diesel, outside, away from everything. A South American smith commented a few years back that he used diesel as a fast oil. Diesel isn’t as fast as DT-48, about the same as heated canola. I made sure I didn’t try an interrupted quench.

I do not recommend trying this yourself!!! Just use the correct quench medium.

 

[Willie71]

Just to be clear, I am a newbie at pattern welding. I had to figure out what to look for this past year when doing my first billets. I find sometimes, the most experienced people don’t point out some of the basics because they assume it’s too obvious, or don’t remember the early mistakes. Not a criticism regarding anyone, just a known psychological principle. This is why forums work well with a tenge of experiences. I remember some attempts that didn’t stick well, then saw the difference in the flux on the first weld that was SO EASY! Now I know what the billet looks like when ready. No shadows in the steel, the sizzle of the flux. I can do them now without the borax on the first weld, as I did two billets and know what the non fluxed billet looks like too, in terms of color and no shadows. Not too much pressure in the press. Too much, and everything slips, rather than setting. Use flat, rather than drawing dies. Just make it easier on yourself, rather than fighting it.

People like Hoss and Stacy are excellent teachers because they don’t fall into that category.