Jon Kerr Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 Hi all, I've found various topics discussing bits of this but no definitive answer.... Can anyone comment on the benefits of different solid fuels specifically for forge welding? I am having troubke forge welding with coke and have seen mention that coke is actually not ideal for forge welding. Might I have more success using charcoal just for welding? I have heard of other blacksmiths have special coal just for welding use..... is that true? Any tips from anyone else who uses coke? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shabumi Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 I just got done with a forge welding workshop with Mark Aspery and we used coke for the class, and everyone in the class managed each weld type. Faggot, coller and "drop tong" welds. They didn't go into fuel type, but I've heard that certain coals aren't as good as they have impurities in them that could effect to weld. I'm sure someone with more experience and expertise will be along shortly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 I have the best results when welding with charcoal. I like it so much I'm building a side draft forge just for charcoal. It is much cleaner than the coal I have available now. At one time I had some low sulfur bituminous coal that would weld almost as well, but it was expensive and had to be shipped from a blacksmith supply house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shabumi Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 Not fuel related, but something that was taught at the class I was at was how to tell when you lost welding heat. When scale starts forming on the piece your below welding heat. So hit it while it's clean and wet looking and stop and reheat when you see ANY dryness or crud forming on the piece Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Kerr Posted February 23, 2020 Author Share Posted February 23, 2020 Thanks guys. Wish I could get on one of those courses Shabumi! Thanks for the reassurance that coke will work. I expected as much and it had to be my technique. I will have a go with charcoal though also just as a test! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 We can arrange a forge welding day(s) for you at Westpoint if you are interested, we ar near Exeter in Devon.there are other courses available, some may be nearer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Kerr Posted February 24, 2020 Author Share Posted February 24, 2020 Thanks for the offer John! I have a blade course booked with Owen Bush in April so my tuition budget has currently run out.... but if I can scrape some money together for a visit to you in Devon later in the year I will do. In the mean time I'll have to try and bumble through on my own! Cheers, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 24, 2020 Share Posted February 24, 2020 As I recall the Brits are more prone to both using coke and do doing unfluxed welds; so they probably know the trick of it and asking around would be the best way. I've welded using charcoal, coal and coke and propane---but not all at once. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Kerr Posted February 25, 2020 Author Share Posted February 25, 2020 I don't know many (any!) other blacksmiths here except Neal unfortunately. Neal has given me a little forge welding help but on his propane forge which would seem to be a bit different. Maybe Owen / Basher might be able to give me some quick coke forge welding tips during course in April if theres time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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