[TheForge] bronze

[Grant Marcoux]

Kirsten: You can mig bronze....I think Miller makes/offers a silicon bronze
wire.  A special gas mix is required....I think it is called "blue shield",
but don't quote me on the name.

Yes, there are hazards with forging bronze, but not to the degree that
founders face.  Repeated exposure to oxides of copper can lead to a
condition called "Wilson's Disease" which is very difficult to treat. People
in metal intensive industries should have their blood tested regularly for
metal levels.  This is common practice in the military for range masters.
You really need to see an occupational medicine doc about this.  Most MDs
are ignorant about metallic poisoning.

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Fiorini & Skiles
Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2006 1:16 PM
To: theforge at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [TheForge] bronze


I read the emails about bronze with interest as I am doing my first
blacksmithing project in bronze.  I've worked bronze smaller scale, but
never hot forged it.

It took me about 2 over-heats on a sample piece of CDA 655 to find that
sunset red that someone else mentioned.

I know that tig welding is ideal for bronze, but we don't have one.  Has
anyone set up a mig for welding bronze?  The sculptor at UW-L does this for
touching up bronze castings.

What about health effects?  Would it be the same as with copper, since it is
mainly copper and silica?  Are there any other health considerations with
hot forging it?  It does have a different smell to than the steel does.
Thanks,
-Kirsten
www.knitsteel.blogspot.com
www.knitsteel.etsy.com  - my online store


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