Mike Turner

I have been using Mother's wheel polish on the recommendation from Ed Caffrey who is a ABS Master Smith. So far I like it but only time will tell. Before that I was using butchers wax, it worked well as well.

Glenn this is pretty cool, I know for me I tell forge welding color better outside in the sun because that is what I do for a living as a farrier, I found when I started welding inside I was wanting to pull the steel to soon as it was the color I was use to outside. Now when I feel it is ready I walk away and wait a few more minutes then it is just right.

Nice Job, how many layers? Is it your own steel?

Ron I agree with HWooldridge, I take my steel to near white if it is sparking your burning your steel and can make your weld look ugly. I find if you are using coal that the impurities can cause problems with your weld, I make sure I only have coke in the fire and keep the coal on the outside to make more coke. A lot of times I will make bar shoes and not even use flux, placement in the fire is important you do not want it to deep it will just oxidize the steel and frustrate you when your weld fails. I keep about 4" of coke under the steel and at least that much on top usually more though.

Very Nice Rich makes me want to start making folders.

Hey Ron I like it, the butt cap reminds me of a shot shell. I think I will make one using a shot shell.

We get them here quit often and they tend to be near 300 lbs. As a matter of fact a few miles down the road there was a mare and colt attacked, it killed the colt. The mare is still alive but has some nasty slashes on it's back and neck. Around here if they come on your property the game warden said don't hesitate shoot it.

I use my gasser for making pattern welded billets for knives and other stuff and all I use is 20 mule team. Anything else that needs welding I do in my coal/coke forge, depends on the a lot of times I may not even use flux, but of course this takes a lot of practice and some skill. If you want some anhydrous borax you can you can give Kelly Cupples a shout he is a steel supplier for knife makers. You can reach him here octihunter@charter.net or can give him a call at 509-949-5231 and for those that are knife makers or need high carbon steels hey has some of the best prices and orders over $50 he ships free.

Thanks Jr I am still laughing.

Jim that is amazing, I have not tried making a billet like that yet with the hairpin weld at the tip. This one really makes me want to buck up and make one. How did you do the fuller? And I too can't wait for book #4, is it out yet?

Don't forget to use the blueprint section here. There is a lot of good how to's in there. Welcome aboard.

Nice work shop, very clean. Those knives are looking good.

Sam your work is getting better, keep it up.

Sounds like flux to me too. I braze jar caulks and other things to horseshoes in the forge I just put my copper, brass or bronze what ever I have handy around the caulk then flux with 20 mule team, put it in the forge bring it up to where you see it melt pull it out and I set a hammer on it to help pull heat out to set the braze. Be careful with the flux your brazing material will stick where ever it is.

Ron how large is the piece you are trying to jump weld? This may help with your question. And what type of forge are you using?

Very cool horn, very nice knives.

Hey Rich I can picture the way this knife looks, I wonder how close I am.:D

I'll up that to $20.:D