August 14, 20169 yr Good day members I am usually sourcing scrap metal/steel to practice forge welding . I do have access to a local scrap dealer in the industrial area of our town in South Africa. I happen to get hold of large taper rolling bearings which make for great forge practice. There is definitely a huge difference between forging the normal spring leaf billet and the taper bearing billet. The taper bearing billet has a much harder feel to it when forging it. I noticed not many posts on this forum where members use the taper roller bearings when forging. Is there a reason for this phenomenon? Is it a safety hazard to forge these bearings? I really would like to hear from you members. Gert
August 14, 20169 yr Unlike spring steel, your bearing rollers are most likely a "stainless" alloy, somewhat akin to a high-speed tool steel. Stainless steel is notoriously difficult to forge. I doubt there are any "safety" issues, ... but heat treating a finished blade could prove challenging.
August 14, 20169 yr probably something like 52100; tough under the hammer and a bit finicky in heat treat; what did you mix it with for a billet?
August 14, 20169 yr Yeah, probably some version of 52100. It's tough under the hammer and will test your will to smith. Forge welding it is another story. These medium chromium steels don't exactly like to weld to themselves so you want to buffer or weld with a simple carbon steel.
August 14, 20169 yr forge welding the low chrome steels aint too bad, but those that refuse to user proper flux have trouble I agree. look at knife chat for a more aggressive flux to help.
August 15, 20169 yr Author Thank you kindly for all the informative replies. Members, I still prefer the taper bearing to forge a knife blade from, it just feel right and good , it definitely will be making a quality blade ....I will give some feedback in this regards. I nearly completed my 72x2" belt sander machine build, then I will be able to work down the forged blades... I already completed a few cable forged blades, leaf spring blades and taper bearing blades...now for working it into knifes...
August 15, 20169 yr Hi Gert, your name sounds Dutch/Belgian (could be ancestry :)) where are you at? I'm based in the Netherlands and very much a beginner. I know only few people bladesmithing here so just curious. Edit: just read your other posts. South Africa has tons of people with Dutch/German surnames .
August 16, 20169 yr Author Monkey Forge, my ancestors were tailors from your country , moved to Africa, some became big game hunters, others normal citizens. I really would like f you will be able to get hold of the Odendaal family emblem in your country...contact me at [email protected]. Please take a look at this forum as well, a South African forum..SA Gunsite.com Regards Gert Steve, fortunately I do have ample Borax available..so I can forge weld any steel ....
August 16, 20169 yr borax wont help with the chrome Oxides tho. check a local welders supply and ask to look at what they use for SS rods. its a start in correct direction, and you will need a mask.
August 16, 20169 yr Steve forge welds some kind of exotic stuff, I would sertainly take any advice he offers with gratitude (I sure know I do).
August 16, 20169 yr Author Thank you kindly Steve, the advice is much appreciated..fortunately I will only forge a knife blade to make a knife using the taper roller bearing components , no actual welding this steel together will take place. Steve, I noticed several remarks where it is indicated that I need to temper at higher temperatures, since the steel is so tough and dense..please elaborate on this issue?? Regards Gert
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