Gert Odendaal Posted August 14, 2016 Share Posted August 14, 2016 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothBore Posted August 14, 2016 Share Posted August 14, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted August 14, 2016 Share Posted August 14, 2016 probably something like 52100; tough under the hammer and a bit finicky in heat treat; what did you mix it with for a billet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmccustomknives Posted August 14, 2016 Share Posted August 14, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted August 14, 2016 Share Posted August 14, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gert Odendaal Posted August 15, 2016 Author Share Posted August 15, 2016 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... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonkeyForge Posted August 15, 2016 Share Posted August 15, 2016 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 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gert Odendaal Posted August 16, 2016 Author Share Posted August 16, 2016 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 godendaal@hotmail.com. 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 .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles R. Stevens Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Steve forge welds some kind of exotic stuff, I would sertainly take any advice he offers with gratitude (I sure know I do). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gert Odendaal Posted August 16, 2016 Author Share Posted August 16, 2016 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 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.