[TheForge] Forge welding

[Ben Barrett]

What do you guys think about wearing IR glasses to more-closely
observe the weld?

I've only been smithing ~14months, and just fired up my own [propane]
forge the other
night, and was really surprised as I looked into it, how blinded I was
to the actual location
and presence of heat... maybe my shop lights are a funny spectrum, but
I couldn't even
see how red the metal was getting without the goggles...
so I know these (IR3 in my case, also IR5) glasses/goggles are
most-often used for
oxy/acet torch work, but I was wondering what y'all think of using
them in relation to
forge work?
Seems like this would be even more crucial (both for functional
viewing and for eye protection)
when closely examining pieces for forge welding, when you're getting
the metal about as hot
as it can stand to be.

The difference is even more evident when I look through a digital
camera -- the IR totally
washes out the digicam itself, but pictures taken through the IR#3
lens look much more
like what I *want* to see :)

thanks,

ben


On 3/4/07, Saint Phlip <phlip at 99main.com> wrote:
> Well, got to thinking- not sure how your ears are, but there's a sound
> that will help too. You know how when your metal cools as you're
> working, and the thumps get sorta tinkly and clangy? Well, if you make
> a good strike welding, it sounds more thuddy than when you're working
> at the usual heats. I think if you get it, and you're paying
> attention, you notice.
>
> On 3/4/07, Lynn and Susan Lang <langfarm at together.net> wrote:
> > I am using coke, a 9" round pot with a cave and the metal above the
> > height of the pot, "deep fire". Clinkers have been removed. I am doing
> > better after watching Blacksmith Journal tape 2 , basket handle and the
> > channel scroll demonstration....
> >
> > Practice and more practice.......
> >
> > Thanks to all
> > lynn
>
>
> --
> Saint Phlip
>
> Heat it up
> Hit it hard
> Repent as necessary.
>
> Priorities:
>
> It's the smith who makes the tools, not the tools which make the smith.
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