[TheForge] RE: Splitting steel

Sun May 18 11:23:01 2003

Bob,

I had this happen a couple years ago. I got a bad batch of 1/2" round, about
400 feet of it. It was a bitch to work because it kept splitting.  It was
kind of like working wrought iron, had to work it close to welding heat
virtually rewelding as I forged it. Tried to use it up on big things that
didn't need a lot of forging, was glad to see the next batch was clean.

I considered taking it back to the supplier, but you couldn't tell the good
from the bad until you started forging it.

Bob Ehrenberger
Shelbyville, Mo

*** ORIGINAL MESSAGE ***

From: "Bob Rackers" <[email protected]>
To: "TheForge" <[email protected]>
Date: Sat, 17 May 2003 18:39:53 -0400
Subject: [TheForge] Splitting steel
Reply-To: [email protected]

Today I was forging some 3/4" round hot-rolled to square.
Despite working at a high forging temperature and not working it below a red
heat, I noticed some cracks developing across the material. When it became
evident that the cracks were going to result in the piece eventually
breaking,
I cut that short section off and continued on the next section.
I then noticed two longitudinal cracks on one face.
I've never had a problem like this before, but of course I've never had a
deadline like this and working my last piece of 3/4" round either.
Though I'm sure Murphy has everything to do with this, I'm curious to know
if
anyone else has ever had this problem.
Is there any way around this problem, or is the only solution to pick up
another piece and start over?

Bob