BackyardBlacksmithin Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 So... I picked up some brass rod from the local scrap yard and tried my hand at forging brass today for the first time. after getting it up to temp and start working it, it very quickly started to crack and then fall apart.... tried working it hotter and colder and still no joy. Did I get something that is a different alloy than what I need? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles R. Stevens Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 brass alloys, some forge some don't. Try working it cold, and just heating it to dullest red and anneal it between work cycles. You still may get no joy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmccustomknives Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 Charles is right. It will turn dark then faintly glow red. If you can clearly see the glow it's too hot. Forge it until it starts resisting the hammer then reheat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 Lots of brass alloys have lead in them for better machining making them hot short-if I got the term right. To anneal, heat to red, quench in water, then forge. If it gets stiff under the hammer, re-anneal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BackyardBlacksmithin Posted September 20, 2013 Author Share Posted September 20, 2013 I will have to try annealing between working it. I tried working it cold already and that wont work. Is there anywhere I can get brass that I know is forgeable? I just want to make some decorative leaf hooks and a few other little decorative things. Or would copper be better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 silicon bronze forges as does pure copper *MOST* brass alloys don't forge. If you do a search you should find mention of the few that do forge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BackyardBlacksmithin Posted September 20, 2013 Author Share Posted September 20, 2013 Alright so after a bit more research I think I'm going to try and source some copper to try, question is what alloy? looking at onlinemetals.com there are several different ones to choose from... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chinobi Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 I'd keep it simple and go with pure copper, their 101-110 grade. Bought a stick from my steel supply shop recently to try forging on, but haven't tried it yet = look at the tables they give for mechanical properties and decide if you are looking for anything specific from your metal that would necessitate a special alloy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 What size are you looking for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BackyardBlacksmithin Posted September 21, 2013 Author Share Posted September 21, 2013 I'd like to get some 1/2 inch square or round or at least something in that ballpark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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