starting out ...forge welding steel

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mikeinct

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I'm gathering materials, tools, special flux to try some forge welding..I have an old barbecue I'm planning on converting into a hardwood - forced hot air Forge...I live in Ct where things used to made...Sad state of affairs these days but it is not worth the trouble to go to a scrap yard to find decent metal to practice with...Anyway my first try will be older vintage leaf spring steel..old circular saw blade steel...& some 1080 I got off the broken edge of a snowplow blade...I'd really like to try chain saw damascus but I think to start the flat stuff will be a better choice..opinions welcome on that point too...other than that flourite? [not sure of the spelling] mixed into the borax flux to weld high nickel content steel ..How much difficulty will I have trying to do this for the first time???...& I have over a month befor the weather will be nice enough to be outside ...SO FIRE AWAY...My anvil is only a 25 lb block of bridge steel..but it is for now nice & smooth..one inch thick 8 x 16 piece of metal..I've seen how to start the process with five layers...My first weld will only be two carbon & one nickel content sandwich...for just 3 layers...I'm keeping things simple to try & get the feel for this..HOWS my PLAN Sound so far...mike in ct
 
Hi Mike,
Welcome to the forums.:thumbup:

Some forge welding basics; Grind the surfaces clean that you are welding.

Apply the flux as the pieces are coming up to temp. [ Red ]

Take time to bring the billet up to temperature. It takes a little time to

bring the interior up to temp.

When you see the flux bubbling between the seams in the billet you are

getting close to welding temp. 23oofh.

It takes but little force to weld steel together. Getting the rite

temperature is a must.

Try welding two pieces of similar steel on your first outing.

Watch out for the flying flux. It will leave your shoes in a smoldering

shambles.

Best of luck, let us know how it goes.

Fred
 
As mentioned, but it bears repeating, it does not take much force at all to forge weld, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to wail on the billet when you're trying to make your weld. That will just jar the metal apart and prevent it from ever joining, instead you want to actulaly start with a light hammer and give it firm, but not to heavy blows to get the weld to take.

Make sure to be wearing all natural fiber clothing (this should be a general guide when doing any forging really) as polyester and other man made materials melt instead of burning, and while you can brush off burning cotton , you cant brush off a shirt that's melting to your skin made out of polyester. Wear a leather welding apron too, your safty and welbeing is far more valuable than any piece of steel.
 
Thank you all for the advice & invite..Soon as I figure out how to post pics here I will..I'm very new to this...I rebuilt a couple of old knifes..& put handles on some purchased blanks..So this is all new to me..Putting off welding up chain saw blade is good idea till I learn a few things ..If I find a bit of steel wire cable is that a good starter project??..mike in ct
 
Another factor is the forge. It has to be able of holding a 2300-2500F neutral atmosphere. I am not too sure of your hardwood BBQ forge being up to making damascus. At the very least you will have to make charcoal from the wood first.
Stacy
 
I think you are referring to flourspar. Be very careful with this, it only takes a very small amount in the borax to help the wetting abilities. Also if you do use it make sure you are in a well ventalated area due to burning off flourine gas. Very poisonous and at least will irritate your eyes and mucouse membranes. Stacy said it well as far as needing a forge that will maintain the heat. Temp is all important too cool and you will get inferior welds if at all. Work on your hammer skills and then try some mild steel to mild steel welding. If you can weld mild then High carbon will be easier.

Good luck
chuck
 
Hi Mike,
You will find a lot of good info in this forum:)
Where in CT are you.
I will be setting up a gas forge this spring, may be we can distroy some steel together:D
I am a toolmaker by trade and make stock removal knives and now I am looking to try my hand at forging.
If you can't wait for my set up Indian George's place is HIGHLY RECOMEND:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
& way beyond my skill levels at metal craft.All good guys to learn from..Indian george is a good guy for me to avoid..{grin} I swore off bikes 25 years ago..3 close calls & I still have all my parts...I'm trying to keep it that way...People have a natural attraction to running me over mounted on anything smaller than a pick-up truck with a big ass bumper..oh baby I loved those fancy old bike pics..Loussharp1 I'm in the very center of the state..in wethersfield..you can come by my store anytime..we work 7 days a week...This is a pretty cool place to hang out...Looks like I've managed to find another great way to waste my time...mike in ct
 
mikeinct said:
& way beyond my skill levels at metal craft.All good guys to learn from..Indian george is a good guy for me to avoid..{grin} I swore off bikes 25 years ago..3 close calls & I still have all my parts...I'm trying to keep it that way...People have a natural attraction to running me over mounted on anything smaller than a pick-up truck with a big ass bumper..oh baby I loved those fancy old bike pics..Loussharp1 I'm in the very center of the state..in wethersfield..you can come by my store anytime..we work 7 days a week...This is a pretty cool place to hang out...Looks like I've managed to find another great way to waste my time...mike in ct
Click to expand...

Mike,the focus around here is making knives and damascus. It's more addictive than Motorcycles.:eek: ;) :D I also usually have people over on Saturday hanging around making knives or just asking questions.:thumbup: So if your ever in the area stop by.
 
thank you IG ...I will if I'm up that way...Just too many demands of my little bits of time..& I will learn to post some pics here...I've been lurkin around so long it seems like I know you guys...mike in ct
 
I'm in Cheshire, 25min south of Hartford on 91.
Just heard from Darren he said my forge should be ready in about 1 week!!!
But I have a lot of planning and purchases befor I am up and running.
 
Hey mike and everyone I'm also in Ct. I'm stoked that I found this thread. I'm very interested in knife making & collecting also motorcycles hey george.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums and Shop Talk.

I'm glad you are stoked about forging....but this thread is eight years old.

Please look at the dates before resurrecting long dead threads. This is called necroposting. Just start a new thread if you need advice or have a comment to pass on. You can always put a link to a past thread in the new one.
 
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