[TheForge] Re: New Discoveries: Ersatz EZ Weld

[Jerry Frost]

Iron/steel oxide has a lower melting temp than 
unoxidized iron/steel does, this is what makes a 
cutting torch work. I suppose if the flux will scavange 
the oxy from the molten oxides it'd stick things pretty 
well.

Frosty
-------------------------------
If it ain't forged
it ain't real.
Wrought iron is.
The FrostWorks

Meadow Lakes, AK.


From: "David E. Smucker" <davesmucker at hotmail.com>


>I know that the Boric Acid - Red Iron Oxide flux 
>works -- I have seen it in operation a number of time, 
>but have not used it myself.  What so far is hard to 
>understand is the role of the Iron Oxide.  The Boric 
>Acid provides a acidic flux and takes in oxides, 
>(fluidizes them) at below there normal melting 
>temperature, which is higher than the melting point of 
>the steel. That means (I think) that the red iron 
>oxide added fluidizes in the molten boric acid --  
>maybe in some way that helps remove the more complex 
>oxides on the surface of our steel ????  Any CO that 
>is present in our fire can reduce the red iron oxide 
>to pure iron and maybe again that is part of the 
>process. ?????
>
> The use of lime is going the other way and makes a 
> basic flux.  Basic slags are an important part of 
> many steel making process.
>
> We need a physical chemist in this discussion
>
> Dave