San mai layer thickness

[jdm61]

So I am looking to finally do a san mai project and the CFV core material is a generous 1/4 inch, say close to .270 with the mill scale still on. For you guys who have done this, how tick would you go with the cladding? I was thinking either 3/8 or 1/2. Is that too much? I will likely be forging the cladding material down from round bar so I can go about any way.
Second question. The cladding that I am thinking about is moly free L6. It would appear that using the old faithful 1500/400 recipe that works well for CFV (gives you a solid 61Rc) this L6 gets into that super tough sweet spot of 57-58. Both steels are fairly deep hardening so no worry about different hardening rate, but should a be a little worried about them hardening to a different hardness level?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I would suggest 3/8" sides.
The only issue is keeping the core straight when drawing out the billet. I would recommend surface grinding all pieces and doing an oxygen-free weld by tig/miging all the way around the billet while the bars are clamped together. Set the weld well and draw at least half the thickness at welding heat. Once the billet is reduced to around 1/2", grind off the perrineter welds and check the core by dipping in FC. repeat the grind/dip to check the core as you reduce your billet the rest of the way and shape the blade.