Tig welding wrought?

oldanvilyoungsmith

oldanvilyoungsmith

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Feb 7, 2011
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I'm working on a wrought iron guard, and there is a crack in it that developed during forging.

While fitting it on the tang I periodically drive it slightly further than it fits to show me which parts need more filing.

I'm afraid that the driving will make the crack develop more, so I'm wondering if I used a tig welder to run a fused bead along the crack if that would keep the wrought from splitting. If so, I'll just wait till my next welding class and tig it, but if that won't help, then I'll go ahead and forge out some more wrought. I'd just rather tig this one if I can though.


Thanks for the help, Stephen.
 
I repair voids in damascus all the time that way. It isn't perfect, but closes the gap and salvages the steel. Build it up a bit and file sand to a smooth surface. Even though it probably doesn't need it, give it a bake at 400F for an hour to remove any embrittlement.
 
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This is a very common problem with wrought. You need to forge it very hot, like in the high welding temps. The problem is all the silica slag in the material crating pockets. Tig welding is not very effective due to the silica. I causes blow outs that cannot be repaired. If I have a split develop in a wrought iron piece I normally just start over and chalk it up to the material. You can try the tig and if it works great just be prepared for the crater.
 
In my opinion the main reason you would want to use Wraught in the first place is so when it is etched you get this great grain. If you Tig it to repair it you will not get the grain or texture that is so desirable when using wraught iron in the repair area . If you dont etch it then I am sure you might be able to repair it using Tig but then why not just use Mild steel.
Pic of the texture I am talking about.
knife37.jpg
 
Hey Chris, I know what I'm after with the wrought, remember the san-mai one I had with me at blade? (Thanks by the way for talking grinders with me for, what was it, an hour?)

but I was hoping I could just run a fuse line on the inside of the guard where it wouldn't be noticed. But I'm thinking I'll just start over.


Thanks for the help, Stephen.
 
Stephan
Yes I remember and I enjoyed our talk at Blade show about Grinders. I think you wont be sorry just starting fresh. If you run out of Wraught let me know I have some I can send you for your guard.
Chris
 
Thank you very much for the offer of wrought, but I think I'll have enough -

DSC05711.jpg


I happened to stumble upon this (literally, I tripped over the chain sitting in my way) at my local scrapyard, couldn't believe my luck, that stuff is 1" thick. Got it for like $0.49 per LB. Don't know what I'll do when that runs out though, have to pay real prices for it I guess.
 
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