[TheForge] Re: New Discoveries: Ersatz EZ Weld

[David E. Smucker]

Frosty,

The data I have says iron oxide as Fe2O3 has a melt point of 1566 C and iron 
(pure) at 1538 C.  Alloy steels should be lower including carbon steel.  Not 
that it makes much difference as those two temperature are rather close.  My 
understanding, and it may not be fully correct is that the reason a cutting 
torch works is that when iron "burns" or oxidizes in the O2 steam of the 
torch the reaction is exothermic and drives the cutting.  This doesn't 
happen with aluminum for example and you can't cut it with a torch -- only 
melt.  None of this helps me understand why putting Fe2O3 in a flux makes a 
better flux -- but it seems to.

Dave
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jerry Frost" <akfrosty at mtaonline.net>
To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:09 PM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] Re: New Discoveries: Ersatz EZ Weld


> 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
>
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