Forgewelding 5160 to Bandsaw Blades: Bladesmith Vlog

[@clayveldkamp6739]

Awesome video. This is what knife making and forging is about for me. Experimenting, creativity, and trial and error. Liked and subbed!

[@SoggyBottomForgeJoe]

Those billets turned out nice! Good to see you got it figured out. I was having the same problem. Really appreciate the information and the time you took to figure it out. Thanks for sharing! 👍⚒

[@brysonalden5414]

Sadly, I've learned that that character flaw, impatience, can still goof up damascus billets when I'm using my press. Glad you got the 5160 figured out!

[@406751]

Very impressive you’re doing all that by hand.... glad you figured out in the end bud, loved the video!

[@WJBlades]

Thanks.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

I’m happy you got it figured out! There’s a sense of accomplishment when you get past a problem. Let’s see what you make with it now! 👍

[@WJBlades]

Thanks for being my Damascus steel sounding board bro.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Anytime!

[@dragonguytattoo]

A few things I can see. 1. Your forge isn’t getting hot enough. Your billet needs to be a “bright yellow” like a stick of butter with no shadows. 2. Your pre heating anvil isn’t working for you. It is so lightweight that it is pulling the energy from your hammering. It would work faster if you use a “sacrificial” hunk of metal to lay on your heavier anvil. If your anvil is vibrating or moving while you’re hammering, it is transferring all the energy into the floor. 3. Choke up on your hammer… holding so far back on the handle makes it a lot harder to hammer and wears you out fast. You are using your back a lot, see if you can use your knees instead… you can last a lot longer and it also won’t wear your arm out so fast. Have a great day and great forging!!!

[@WJBlades]

Thanks, it seems like your input is coming from a constructive place. 1. My forge is getting hot enough, the camera doesn't show you what I see with my eyes. 2. Very interesting, you might be onto something with my preheating anvil losing too much energy. I have found that my problem seems to be the distribution of force quickly enough while the steel is hot. 3. I do choke up on my hammer sometimes. My stance is directly related to a nerve problem I have in my legs due to a severe back injury from six years ago. I've had three back surgeries, it seems I am stuck with the nerve problem for life.

[@dragonguytattoo]

@@WJBlades sorry to hear about the nerve injury, that just sucks so much… I wish you the best with the pain, I understand how it will definitely inhibit a lot of different motions. I have seen a bunch of different videos on how to make a press with a used wood splitter… That may help you with moving the steel. I have to get ready for work so I will catch you later.

[@charlesbowden7314]

I've been playing with cable and learning the size is so important and speed

[@WJBlades]

100% agree

[@blackthornknives]

Thank you for the video brother

[@WJBlades]

You're welcome it's been awhile since I've made a video and KZbin has completely demonetized my channel. So your thanks is probably the only payment I'm going to get lol.

[@Nikolay_Pikalov]

Можно попробовать между пластинами стали прокладывать листы железа, а также для сварки использовать пресс. А уже потом готовый пакет ковать и обрабатывать.

[@mackdog3270]

A flat spring swage? Could help even out the force from your hammer.

[@WJBlades]

I considered something like that, we'll have to see what the future brings. =)

[@mackdog3270]

@@WJBlades I think that's my favorite part of working in my shop, the problem solving. It's a good feeling to succeed :) have a great day!

[@vincewilkins8114]

Is it possible without a welder.?

[@WJBlades]

Probably but, I have no experience without at least tacking the plates together with a welder. Sorry. ☺

[@stevesyncox9893]

Use haywire in a drill twisted tight or screw clamps.

[@thefamily_ak1863]

Nice , thx

[@mikemeinders6717]

Half way through the soak you want to rotate the billet

[@WJBlades]

I usually do, though I don't show it on camera. Did you watch the whole video? The billets came out quite good at the end. =)

[@billwoehl3051]

Keep on hammering!!!

[@supersawyer358]

Looks like one of my old saws.

[@shepardsforgeh2031]

Man 5160 is a finicky bitch to forgeweld man! Go with a 1090 series. Ive never seen any of the pros use it for damascus and there is a reason for it. Its just finicky to forge weld yeah it can be done its just difficult.

[@WJBlades]

I was just using up what I have. For future projects I'll likely order some 1/8 inch thick 1080 to go with the bandsaw blades.

[@stevesyncox9893]

W1 is a great welder too.

[@TheMotownPhilly]

without actually watching the video I already spotted a problem...5160 is not a good choice for welding. I'm not a metallurgist but I've talked to many people about what to use when forging and I've asked the question many times about 5160 and none have ever said its a good idea. That being said, I think the best way to insure steel to weld providing you have the correct welding temp is to completely weld the billet shut. that will create a zero oxygen atmosphere and it will stick with no delams. I was beating my head against the wall with all the delams till I started welding the billet shut. hope this helps.

[@nickaschenbecker9882]

"I'm not a metallurgist but" 5160 forge welds up fine. You can stick it to mild steel, 10xx steel, tool steel, even 9260-it just doesn't stick to itself.