P. Bedard

The easiest way to dehydrate Borax is to find an old casserole dish (I got one from a Yard sale for a buck) and put it in the oven at 250 for about an hour.
After that it won't "dance" on the metal anymore.

Where exactly does one get Boric acid?

Agreed. How about something along the lines of "One piece of steel and 30 minutes" to start. Of course, no one would stoop so low as to cheat, we all know that...

Has anyone made their own flux?

A friend of mine who is a Blacksmith in England (Darenth Valley Forge) never buys commercial flux, he makes his own.

For basic welds he uses 45% Anhydrous borax, 45% pure silica sand and 10% iron filings. Works like a charm.

Anyone else use their own "brand" instead of someone else's?

Hey everyone.
I just found this forum and thought I'd say hello.
I'm a part time blacksmith in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada. Been blacksmithing for about 20 years off and on.
I do historical demonstrations here at an event called the "Festival Du Voyageur". Mostly making 19th century trade good replicas.
But of course, it never stops there does it?

I'll be taking a very close look at the blue prints section, what I've seen so far I like a lot.

Hope to bounce ideas/problems off of you soon!