CrazyOatmeal Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 I'm trying to forge weld two relatively thin pieces of steel, but in the time it takes for me to move them from the forge to the anvil and grab my hammer, they've gone from yellow to dull red. I simply can't move any faster. Is it physically impossible to do this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goods Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 Can you set a small block beside you fire? That way you can take the work from the fire in just a few inches and set the weld. David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyBones Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 Put an anvil on or next to your forge. When i am trying to weld small stuff i set a block of 4140 that is about 15# on my forge. You do not have to hit it real hard to get the weld. You could even use a sledge hammer head to do it. I use a coal forge so i can just skootch some coal away for enough space. If you are using a gasser you may have to rig up some kind of table or something. Goods beat me to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 How thin is "relatively thin"? I had a session with Jennifer/jlpservicesinc where she had me welding 1/4" rod into chain links when it was about 20F in the shop. Gotta move fast! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 Move the operation to the fire and have the hammer in your hand before you take the work out of the fire. There are lots of ways you CAN move faster and we'll be happy to help you. If it's REALLY thin you can use a HOT pair of flat tongs to set the welds by squeezing the joint while it's in the fire. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyOatmeal Posted May 5, 2021 Author Share Posted May 5, 2021 Smart using the hot tongs, I'll have to try that. Pieces in question are about 2mm, or 1/16". Good advice all around, I'll see what I can do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 I commonly forge weld billets of Bandsaw Blade and pallet strapping, 20+ layers at a time so possible. Note that having good scarfing and good atmosphere control helps when welding in the fire. I've seen several century old pieces that used 1/16" real wrought iron welded up too, what alloy(s) are you trying to weld? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 Didnt mention what flux either Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anvil Posted May 15, 2021 Share Posted May 15, 2021 What's relatively thin? I have no problem forge welding 16th" A lot of good advice here which should solve your problem. The one not mentioned,,, Add just a touch more experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted May 15, 2021 Share Posted May 15, 2021 The other thing is to preheat your anvil with a piece of hot plate in cold/damp weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 15, 2021 Share Posted May 15, 2021 I have a piece of 2" plate I lay on the barrel stove when I light it, when I come back after breakfast, coffee and the morning news it's hot enough to lay on the anvil while I get my stuff laid out. Frosty The Lucky. 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.