CBrann

Cadmium is more toxic than zinc when it burns off. Is that the yellow/golden color that hardware has now? This is kind of frustrating, all I want is high carbon to do some pattern welding with, thought "How hard can this be?"

I have been wondering some of the same things. Particularly the alloy. And did some research before forging. I have a long 7' x 2" hydraulic piston, that I am slowly turning into useful things. I have found that the chrome will flake off during forging or grinding. The chrome didn't burn or oxidize or anything, and I kept the forging only to bright orange. Forges well. Very hard to cut with abrasive wheel. I didn't worry about chrome burning because it melts at 3465F or boil until 4840F. Both temps much higher than steel melting or forging temps. Also chromium is not known for rapid oxidation, think about stainless steel, doesn't rust. ALso nickel, often plated under chrome, melts at 2651F and boils at 5275F. Also not known for rapid oxidation ( also in stainless steel)

Been thinking about liberating or acquiring some that way but the de-rusting thing gets me down, oh and the whole Illegal thing. I guess if I wanted the easy way I'd have a different hobby!

I found bare wire steel cable at a commercial fishing store. They have a website hamiltonmarine.com I talked to them, it may not be in their catalog, but they are a good bunch, and if you ask they probably can help.

I am sad to hear that, I was kinda hoping high value artisanal hardware and items would not be affected. My price for steel had doubled... coal up 30%.. I do this mostly for fun but want it to support itself, but increasing materials cost make this harder

For clear finish I use Helmsman urethane, from a spray can. Oil based For polished blades either mineral oil , (NON TOXIC!! FOOD SAFE!!) or camilia oil, don't know if its food safe. I also like any Rustoleum paint for colors. Butchers wax is good for things like plane soles or table saw tables, smooth machined cast iron

Horn right, hammer right, working on left hammer, but thats a work in progress.

You think that manufacturers start with galvanized stock? I thought it would be wound, and fabricated, then galvanized. I work with RR spikes a lot, and yes I have also read that HC stamped would only rate as a mid carbon for knives, but is really good for flex and tensile. And really unless you doing a super hard super strong tactical military knife I find that they hold a decent edge. Also some of the old RR spikes are made of puddle steel, so carbon tracings show up when you grind and polish. As I said I got the idea from a TV show I saw couple years ago, the guy on the show welded a big pile of barbed wire, to make the top plate of a garden gate. Trying to experiment with pattern welding various things, to see if I can come up with a unique product.

Looking for non galvanized barbed wire for a pattern welding project. I don't want to deal with the zinc oxide/ metal poisoning hazard, and higher success rate with welding from cleaner starting point. Yes I know I can strip it off with hydrochloric acid, but I don't want that much acid around, and I have no safe storage area. I have been working with steel wire rope, but that was unsatisfying because the blades would twist during hardening and tempering. So I figure high carbon wire, forge welded, but not twisted would be cool looking and unique. feel free to email skitzo5@hotmail.com

In CT and also I guess anywhere there is an Aubuchon Hardware Store, Blashcak Blacksmith Coal, 8.49/ 40lb bag, they'll special order,or the store in Putnam Stocks it.

I cant possibly be any kind of -holic, I don't go to meetings, but I grind so much sometimes my hair rusts in the shower, and theres coal dust in my wallet

Wannabesmith Putnam keeps the blacksmith coal in stock, but the Aubuchon's i n Hartford(in that area anyway) will order it for you. I can get you a sku number if you want. Frosty, will do was kinda short for time when I signed up here.

Good Day All, another smith from CT coming. My name is Cliff, I'm out of Eastern CT. I started smithing about 15 years ago with my Dad in Maine where I grew up. I wanted to make a suit of armor. The more work I do, the farther from that goal I realize I am. But that is a comfy place to be. To Wannabe smith, Check how far it is to the Nearest Aubuchon Hardware, the can order Blacksmith coal, 40# about 9.37 w/tax. I like it. The one in Putnam keeps it in stock. Always looking for inspiration and suggestions. I do this as a hobby, but one that almost supports itself.