[TheForge] forge weld stainless?

[Todd Rich]

On Fri, 21 Dec 2012, Bob Ehrenberger wrote:

> One of the members of BAM wanted to know about forge welding stainless
> steel.  So have any of you done it and what flux do you use?
>
> Robert Ehrenberger
> Shelbyville, Mo.
> eforge at centurytel.net
>
The flux I hear used most often when forge welding stainless is fluorspar. 
Which is also called Fluorite, and is CaF2.  You can get it from ceramic 
supply stores and other places.  However, it is a fluorine compound, which 
means you want to do it in a well ventilated area, and probably with a 
filter mask of the appropriate grade.  Several smiths I know won't use it 
at all.

I've also hear sal ammoniac being used, which is Ammonium Chloride.  It is 
also somewhat hazardous to use, and requires good ventilation.  I use it 
as a 10% kicker with my borax flux when I'm forge welding and having 
problems.

I think the fluorspar is also added to borax rather than used straight.

Hope that helps.

 		Todd