[TheForge] Re: flux additives

[Chuck Robinson]

Hey Bob,
Thanks for Jim's  flux formula.
Sounds like a winner.
Some old time frugal smiths, I have seen in action, sprinkle borax on the
weld surfaces as a glue and then sprinkle a small amount of their favorite
flux on top of the melted borax.
> Chuck -
>
> Yeah, I found this awhile back on the internet posted by Jim Hrisoulas.
> This popped up when I was researching red iron oxide as a flux as it
applies to
> pottery.
> (Any misspellings are his.)
>
> "The below flux recipe I have used for the last 15 years..everyone that
has
> tried it calls is steel glue.  All ingredients are to be finely powdered
> and well mixed.
>
> 5 parts Anhydrous Borax
> 2 parts powder Boric Acid
> 2 parts Flourspar (calcium flouiride)
> 1 1/2 parts powdered red iron oxide
> 1/2 part powdered Sal Amoniac
> 1/2 part non iodized Salt
>
> Mix well and keep in an air tight container as this mixute is hydroscopic.
>  Now this is a very active and agressive flux and will destroy most
> refactory materials...
>
> This works well in a coal fire, but best in LPG..  I have used this to
> weld everything from wrought iron to stainless steels in a forge..I even
> managed to get Stellite to forge weld, but I will never do that again..."
>
> Now that I've posted it to theforge, I won't ever have to search for it on
the
> internet ever again.
>
> Bob
>