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9:18 am
September 18, 2019
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Good Morning, I am new to forging so most of what I've been doing falls squarely in the trial and error category. I really want to try to fold up some steel to make a Damascus blade but from what I've seen on the internet, I'll need some flux. The problem is that I have no idea what type to use. I've seen every thing from simple borax from the local store, to all kinds of specific and expensive fluxes. I just signed up here, and have done several searches but can't seem to find any info.
Anyone have some advice?
8:28 am
NWBA Member
March 22, 2011
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Good morning, Irish. Welcome.
Plain Borax will work and is what many smiths use.
A better alternative is anhydrous borax, which is the same borax with all the water boiled out of it. The only difference is that plain borax will boil and sizzle when you apply it.
Have fun and post pics!
(With my damascus billets, I've recently started doing no flux, just cleaning the steel really well.)
as always
peace and love
billyO
7:35 pm
NWBA Member
Board Member
April 26, 2010
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Hello, Irish!
My only advice would be to avoid anything with iron filings or powdered steel in it. These can make a forge weld an easier process, but for pattern welding they tend to add a "muddy" appearance.
Remember: folk have been pattern welding for centuries without anything more fancy than fine sand.
No matter where you go... there you are.
8:58 am
September 18, 2019
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Thanks for the info! I haven't tried damascus yet but I plan to try to fold an old file for my next blade. As I mentioned, I'm really new to this. I'm working on finishing up my fourth blade today. Here are a few pics of my work so far.
9:56 am
NWBA Member
December 27, 2014
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Hello, Irish!
I'm not going to repeat everything other people said, but what I can recommend is that you make sure you have some kiln shelving on the bottom of your forge to prevent whatever flux you choose to use from eating away the floor. it's the most durable stuff I have seen when it comes to forge floors, especially with welding.
My Youtube channel: Cave of Skarzs
Just having some fun messing around with whatever I have a mind to do.
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