Ok so I'm working on this billet of metal. I started with 13 layers of 1075/15n20 forge welded them and gave them a twist. Now Im a bit stuck. I like the look but am wondering what would happen if I cut, stack, weld and twist again? Im hopping some one has tried this and can give me a little advise.
here it is so far.
Tucker Parris
Go for it. What have you got to loose? You say "I like the look but am wondering what would happen if I cut, stack, weld and twist again?" Well, there's only one way to find out. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//tongue.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' />
If you are worried about material loss due to excess forging, throw some extra shims of either 1075 or 15N20 between the pieces in the stack. See what you get. Sometimes this is the way you learn how to make different patterns. One suggestion though, keep a written record of what you do. Just in case you REALLY like how it turns out! You may want to do it again.
Joshua States
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Joshua, thanks for the reply. Im still on the fence on this one. Its hard when you get something that looks good and then more experimentation could ruin it. but then again if I dont try I'll never know right? UGH i wish i didnt like the look so it would be easier. oh well i can always make more i guess <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />
Tucker Parris
Hello Tucker
I agree with Joshua. Go for it. As long as you get good welds you can't ruin it. I think the more you work it the more activity you will have in the pattern.
That is what makes damascus so fascinating. Personally I like a minimum of at least 30 layers before you do the twist.
Let us know what you come up with?
Russell
Looks nice. You should come out okay either way. How eager are you to make a knife out of your stock?. Can you wait until you do more forge welding and twisting? <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
I believe if you twist it more (tighter) you'll have less raggy edges. If you knock the corners back a bit on your squared up billet before twisting they'll be less too. At least, that's what I found.
Ok come Monday I'm gonna re stack weld and twist again. Maybe I'll even add more metal between the stacks. I love and hate this experimenting stuff.
Tucker Parris
Looks nice!
A long time ago, I had tried modeling clay to experiment with patterns. It goes more quickly (at least for me), and clay is usually cheaper than good steel. I had tried this with just a twist pattern to see how the pattern changed the deeper you cut (grind) into the twist. I think I had used 32 or 36 layers in a 3/8 or 1/2 square cross section. Using the clay worked great for this. I used black and white modeling clay to simulate the 2 steels, and you don't need to etch to see the pattern.
Bill
Thats a great idea Bill thanks for sharing. I will get some clay and experiment even more.
Tucker Parris
