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Pattern welding suggestions
- Thread starter pike3e
- Start date
Call Aldo Bruno and get some of his 1084. It will be 1 1/2" wide. While you're at it, ask him if he has 15n20 sheared to size yet (he's working on getting a shear into the shop). If not, call Kelly Cupples and get some 15n20 sheared to 1 1/2"x6".
Grind your 1084 clean before cutting the bar up (trust me, grinding one 4' bar clean takes a lot less time than grinding 8 6" pieces...I use a flap wheel on an angle grinder and it takes me about 2 minutes per bar.). The 15n20 won't need grinding clean, but wipe it down with a rag to get any major oil and scunge off of it.
For the rest of the process, go take a look at the website linked in my signature. It will get you going on getting your layup and welding done. I'm working on the patterning section, but if you have any questions about how to make any patterns, PM or email me. If I have to write something up to e-mail you, I'll use the opportunity to update the website with the same info
Take your time, prep things right, and take it one step at a time and success is almost assured with 1084 and 15n20.
-d
Grind your 1084 clean before cutting the bar up (trust me, grinding one 4' bar clean takes a lot less time than grinding 8 6" pieces...I use a flap wheel on an angle grinder and it takes me about 2 minutes per bar.). The 15n20 won't need grinding clean, but wipe it down with a rag to get any major oil and scunge off of it.
For the rest of the process, go take a look at the website linked in my signature. It will get you going on getting your layup and welding done. I'm working on the patterning section, but if you have any questions about how to make any patterns, PM or email me. If I have to write something up to e-mail you, I'll use the opportunity to update the website with the same info
Take your time, prep things right, and take it one step at a time and success is almost assured with 1084 and 15n20.
-d
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2003
- Messages
- 2,357
Aldo's 1084 is 1/4 thick.
I use Aldo's 1 1/2"x1/4" 1084 with .057" 15n20 from Kelly. Now, that said, when it comes to initial layup, there are no rules other than "clean and flat". You will get different end results based on the initial layup, but the great thing about pattern welding is that so long as your process results in clean steel, it can't be "wrong". Some of the best patterns out there come from "mistakes".
-d
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2007
- Messages
- 898
For thickness I like 1/4" 1084 and two layers of .064" 15n20. You need to make sure the steel is hot and clean or the 15n20 won't weld to itself. For one layer of 15n20 you can weld once the billet is giving off light fumes from the borax but for two layers together you need to wait until the fumes are pouring off and "sparks" of borax are being tossed out of the forge door but before the bar starts to burn. I would guess I do my welding at 2350 but I don't have a pyrometer to measure it.
For the billet size I like 9 layers 1.5" wide and 6" long. For the second and third weld I prefer a billet closer to 2" wide by 2" long by 3" tall.
Edit- If your ever in NY let me know, your welcome to stop at my shop if you would like some "lessons" on damascus making.
For the billet size I like 9 layers 1.5" wide and 6" long. For the second and third weld I prefer a billet closer to 2" wide by 2" long by 3" tall.
Edit- If your ever in NY let me know, your welcome to stop at my shop if you would like some "lessons" on damascus making.