[TheForge] Mokume Gane

[gblacksmith]

Hey Mokume-makers:  I have been experimenting with mokume using brass and copper and while I have been able to get the initial billets to join, they have all delaminated in the forging process.

The billets were initially made of 1/4" brass and copper strips 2" in length for an overall thickness of about 1.25 inches.  I cannot be sure of the brass alloy but the copper is electrical bus bar.

I joined them in my gas forge using torque plates and a closely fit steel box frame   to hold them together for the initial bonding.  after the brass and copper could be scratched with a steel pick, I took them out of the forge and squeezed then in my #5 fly press until cooler.

The atmosphere in my forge is not oxygen free as I had to leave the door open to accommodate the torque plate handles.  I used paste of yellow ocher to keep the copper from sticking to the steel torque plates.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Grant