Steve Sells

.. wonder if I could use the Iron/steel dust below my sander/grinder and mix it with my Borax... the problem is that isn't only iron, its also bit of your sand paper/grinder wheel. So you have to decide is that other stuff going to make good steel?

I just came to this post to steel his idea, Great one Jayco, I dont want a full electric blower, I have used them, and switched back to my hand unit. I like my crank, BUT when using coke for damascus welding, it will help a lot. this is the perfect solution.:cool:

While most of my welding in done in the forge, I have a Smith oxy/acy set and a Century 100 mig I got after my Lincoln 175+ toasted a few years back. Not as good a unit as the Lincoln, but the price was right. Lincoln 400 amp arc/tig/mig tow-behind diesel unit I borrow when I have large welding jobs, but I want to buy my own stick unit soon. I priced a Lincoln AC/DC+/DC- at about $575 and the basic Lincoln AC only at $225, havent decided which yet. I use mainly 7018 and 6011 rods. any comments???

Your grasp of the american language is great, If your teacher says other wise, We will "rip them a new one" in the most obscure slang possible and then YOU can translate it for the teacher to prove your mastery :D

it may not help much, but I have a tutorial on my web site that may help a bit at How to make Damascus Blades 20 mule team works well, if your melting the steel, maybe your getting it hot enough, but not all the way through? I have had that happen a few times, when I am getting in a hurry.

if it worked when he got it home its his problem. if after 3 weeks he still didnt say a thing, tell him mommy that. dont worry

If I recall correctly: Didnt the Rulers of of SCottland try banning all weapons before? I.E. no one except the kings guard could have swords. etc. but that didnt seem to stop Robert the Bruce at Sterling Bridge... I guess he forgot to register his army:D

thank you very much, I work at the web site adding bits here and there. As for my work, I see things with my blades that no one else notices. so I keep at it trying to get better. I agree I am very lucky to have a son that wants to spend time with me Too many men dont have that luxury.

thanks for the welcome everyone. My son is a part time smith, but I enjoy having him in the shop. He is good at hand sanding and polish. Testing the blades at the quench tank, a file to comfirn a harden, then after tempering a over night freeze then temper #2. then the 1/2 inch rod test, chopping some wood and then shave the hair on my arm. not very high tech, but seems effective fo far. Steve

I figured I should log in, and start posting here too. I am in Ft Wayne Indiana, 44 years old, father of 2, and have a 3 yr old grandson. Started blacksmithing over 15 years ago, about half my forge work is making pattern welded blades. I have 3 guys learning under me, in addition to my 12 yr old son. I smith under the name of Fenris Forge, after a having alphabet soup for a url I finaly got a domain going last winter: fenrisforge.com I think damascus is fun, and thanks to people like JPH I have a few patterns I do well, and have had some comerical success as a bladesmith. I prefer making historical blades from Europe and the middle east. My day job is as an Electrician, I am also an EMT and instructor for the American Red Cross, as well as teach Jujitsu. thats enough about me,