schwatk Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Hello All, I’m new to bladesmithing. I’ve successfully done a little forge welding of 1084 and 15N20. I would like to try doing a San Mai or Laminate of wrought iron with a core of 1084. If successful I’d like to make a skinner about 7 to 8 inches long and 3/16 thick. The question I have is what thicknesses should my wrought iron and 1084 be, before welding? Do I make the billet thicker and then forge it to a thickness of 3/16? Also should I heat treat the blade like it’s just a 1084 blade? As always Thank You for any and all help and recommendations. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearhartironwerks Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 You may want to try equal thicknesses of each material to start as a sandwich. I've found that hammering equally on both sides seems to center the carbon steel center, and makes grinding easier. Also, frequent dips in the ferric chloride when forging will help keep the center where you want it. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Welcome aboard Joe, glad to have you. If you put your general location in the header you might be surprised at how many of the IFI gang live within visiting distance. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Yes you want your billet larger so you can remove any mistakes; but not overly large as the WI will forge more easily than the 1084. Now if you were welding with a powerhammer or press you might get away with setting the stop blocks a hair thicker than your end size for the last go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Have you reead any of the.... oh never mind... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearhartironwerks Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 Come on Steve, don't get soft on us. :) John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.