[TheForge] forge weld stainless?

[Bob Ehrenberger]

Thanks Todd I'll pass your answer on to the BAM list.

Robert Ehrenberger
Shelbyville, Mo.
eforge at centurytel.net
573-633-2010

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Todd Rich" <torin at panix.com>
To: "Bob Ehrenberger" <eforge at centurytel.net>; "Blacksmithing List Sponsored 
by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 8:50 AM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] forge weld stainless?




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



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