[TheForge] forging temp.

[Ries Niemi]

there are hundreds of non-ferrous metals.
you need to be more specific.
I dont have my copy of the ASM Desk handbook with me, but there are  
the forging temps for a few dozen common ones in there.

but unless you have extremely accurate temperature sensing equipment,  
the actual temperature in farenheit  is sort of irrelevant, as you  
will not be able to measure it that accurately anyway.

I forge 6000 series aluminum from time to time- and the temps for  
forging are low- low enough that you cannot see any change with the  
naked eye. I go by experience, and experiment- but in a 2400 degree  
forge, a piece of 1/2" round aluminum might only need a minute to get  
hot enough.
Some people use temp crayons, available at most welding supply houses.
Some people rub the hot aluminum on a piece of hardwood- if the char  
sticks to the aluminum, its hot enough.
Me, I just try an end, give it a minute or so in the forge, then tap  
it lightly. If its hot enough, it will move easily. If not, give it a  
few more seconds- how much depends on the size. If its too hot, it  
will crumble and disintegrate. try it on scrap.
Its probably around 800 degrees or so, is my guess.

Most bronzes are similar- below 1000.
With bronzes, I forge in a darkened room, and when they just start to  
go very very dark red, its about right. If you can see red in bright  
light, they are probably too hot.
again, experiment and experience are the best. Every alloy is  
different, slightly, and every forge is different, and every size and  
shape will vary in time in fire.

ries


On Dec 19, 2012, at 1:32 PM, dan tull wrote:

What is the accepted forging temperature of several non-ferrous metals?


Doing my part to keep topic.
"It's not firewood, it's a bowl"!
dan tull
Georgia
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