Question about forge welding.

[Johnbeck180]

I was forge welding some billets today out of 5160 and L6. Started taking stock of the steel i have and forgot I also have some nice pieces of A2 1/8 inch thick and 1-1/2 wide. I pretty sure the application of A2 steel usuall deals with a thicker cutting edge like a metal sheer. My question is, would I be able to throw a piece of thin A2 in the mix with 5160 & L6. Or should I just stick with 5160 & L6

 

[stevomiller]

HT for A2 is significantly different (temps, hold times) than for the other 2 steels. I wouldn't do it.

 

[A C Richards]

A2 is an air hardening steel and will not react the same in the quench as 5160/L6 So no it is not a good choice to add. In fact 5160 and L6 are fairly different also. L6 is a mildly (some say highly) air hardening steel and reacts much faster than 5160 to the quench. I hope you have used this combination before, I have not. Though I have added a bit of L6 to a 1095, 15n20, 52100 billet but in very small quantities. L6 can also be difficult to forge weld due to it's chromium content. Be careful with the heat as too high will create mush. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.