Blacksmithing for Beginners - Should I wire brush forging scale

[@pafortin59]

This description of scale and how to forge a smooth finish was awesome - thanks!

[@TalRohan]

I saw the video the first time around and have been avoiding brushing so often. It helps not to brush untill the last heat when you're done hammering. Definitely works for me. Increased forging time and a reduction in heats so thankyou for that

[@url8808]

This makes a lot of sense thanks for posting

[@tropifiori]

DF I agree

[@davidridley4846]

as a fabricator who mainly uses arc welding for work i was taught any time you get steele hot enough to oxidise and create any kind of scale swipe the brush on it a few times after you work your piece you not going to get all the scale off but it gets rid of the massive chunks of scale i like 2 swipes but thats my personal preference for what temps my forge and torch heat too

[@timhester6634]

thank you very informative

[@gbaughman3348]

Been smithing a long time and never had problem with it. Though just out of habit I clean it off before doing finishing

[@fourgedmushrooms5958]

Depends what you are doing. I use when im finished that part before i let it cool down, and have an old-school wooden dustpan brush that works great with anvil cleanup. Wire brush great for when you are using rusty recycled metal though i think. I use crazy old rusty old car spring to make stuff sometimes

[@MrOldclunker]

On your last pass I usually knock off the scale, but prior heats scale does not cause a problem.

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

I prety new to forging. And my main problem is if i don't wire brush the scale not every heat but often when im done with what ever im makeing the scale is thick and very stuck to the piece of steel I'm forging. And the only way i can remove the scale is grinding. Im sure its because im doing something incorrect and my process is also not the best. I also get a better finish when i continue hammering into a black heat but that doesn't seem to remove the very stuck on scale. Anyway thanks for sharing i learn alot from your videos.

[@dgtlmoon]

The scale is also _harder_ than many materials you're dealing with, it is harder than the flapdisks etc, dont bother wearing out your $8 USD flapdisk or your belt sander on this stuff, hit it with a hard face grinding disk first

[@brettseely1359]

... I have prevented forge scale by dipping my piece in kerosene between each heating.

[@jackdawg4579]

I am usually more concerned with brushing the scale off the anvil itself periodically - when it gets thick enough to annoying me. I only brush my steel when i am getting close to finished and want to have a good look at it.

[@woodsroamer6175]

It makes aesthetic sense🫤-especially if you’re obsessive compulsive