[TheForge] forge weld stainless?

[Ries Niemi]

me, I tig it.
the magic of modern technology.

but I know two different professional mokeme gane makers, and both do,  
consistently forge weld stainless- but not with a hammer and anvil-  
more like controlled heating in forges that are basically inert  
atmosphere, and then 200 ton or so presses.
which is to say, if you know exactly what you are doing, its possible,  
but its not anything like as easy as forge welding wrought or even  
steel.

ries


On Dec 21, 2012, at 1:09 PM, Bob Ehrenberger wrote:

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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