Wanzer Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 I recently got interested in blacksmithing as a hobby. I built a ground forge out of standard red clay bricks. I drilled some holes in black pipe and used a hairdryer for the air supply. And for fuel have been using homemade charcoal. It took alot of trial and error to get it working. The first 3 or 4 sessions were just reshaping the forge and trying to figure out the qualities of the fire and metal. I think my main problem was I was going for the jetflame effect and giving it way to much air. My second problem was that it was too shallow. Eventually I was able to make a few fire pokers, a fire rake, and a few random things. Now I really want to successfully forge weld somthing and its just not happening. I don't have any flux, but I heard it was still possible to do without it. I have even heated up the metal to a bright buttery yellow. Practically dripping. And it still wont make a solid connection. It could be because I have only tried using flattened rebar, which I heard is an inconsistent metal to blacksmith with. Any types or techniques on how to forge weld? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mills Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 Sounds as if you achieved the right heat, but yeah get rid of the rebar. It is handy for somethings but this ain't it. If you can find some get 1018 not hot roll which can be uneven as well. Then try it again. I have always used hot roll but sometimes my welds don't take, I can pretty much tell now when it is me and when it is material. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronPuppet Posted September 23, 2007 Share Posted September 23, 2007 I am using wood for fuel as well. Took me some trial and error to get a good set up. check out my post. You might find some good tips.http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/f11/air-fire-3078/ Christopher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnW Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 Hey Wanzer, I've never successfully welded either, but I still might be able to tell you a couple things. First make sure your charcoal is plently deep, at least 8" (my forge is too shallow). A deep fire is supposed to have 3 zones. Deep, near the air intake is oxidizing. Get the steel too deep, and too much scale forms. Too shallow, and you're in the carbonzing zone. Someplace in between will be neutral. A shallow fire won't have three zones. Also, if you have any doubt about getting the fire hot enough, try burning up some steel. If you can get it sparking hot, then you will have a good idea where the point is that's too hot. It will help a lot if you can watch somebody else weld. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnW Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 Hey, yes, I guess there's a link on IronPuppet's message. Just read that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeatGuy Posted December 24, 2007 Share Posted December 24, 2007 Use flux to learn it will make to welding alot easier. I learned to forge weld from a lot of practice. The force of the blow used to create the joint is important. It is difficult to explain the feeling of the blow when you have it right and the weld holds; for an instant the hammer feels as though it is hitting clay then suddenly feels ridged, you will know when you have it right. As you get better you will find that you can get good welds at lowwer temperatures which decreases the likely-hood of burning your work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Martin Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 I am using a charcoal forge as well. At first my forge welds didn't take at all. I tried everything. Then I got one link to weld. I have it hanging as a little personal trophy. Now my welds are about 50/50. Make sure to upset and scarf the ends so that you have more metal to weld together. I do not use flux, as I can't find any borax at the local store. But I've heard that you don't need a lot if any flux in charcoal fires. Always brush the area to be welded to. I burned a lot of my stuff at the beginning and still do every now and then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeatGuy Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Sand and lime can also be used as flux. Sand can be purchased at a masonary store and lime can be purchased at argicultural supply stores. I have not had a huge amount of success with either but I know that they have been used in the past as fluxes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnr Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 m_brothers, Go to the laundry isle of your nearest supermarket. I have yet to run into one that didn't have 20 Mule Team Borax . That's all I ever use. Finnr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Martin Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Okay, I'll ask one of the workers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammerkid Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 m_brothers, Go to the laundry isle of your nearest supermarket. I have yet to run into one that didn't have 20 Mule Team Borax . That's all I ever use. Finnr Thats what I also use, get it at my local store! its in a green and tan box and says 20 mule team Borax I get mine in a 4lb. box Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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