Forge questions

[yogurt]

Very good info Doug, and thanks!

Question... wouldn't the 1095 also be ok if heated to non-magnetic? Amoungst all the reference pages I'm reading is http://www.engnath.com/manframe.htm which kinda speaks highly of 1095, hence my questions there. I'll look tomorrow in my search and see if I can find some 80CrV2 also. Thanks for that tip!

Originally Posted by Doug Lester

Vertical dipping may prevent warping if done correctly. Either up and down or back and forth like you are trying to cut through the oil. No sideways movement. I have a roasting pan if I ever want to try edge quenching again. Mostly I use a turkey fryer for quenching.

Another steel that you might try, if Also has it in stock, is 80CrV2. From what I understand you won't be able to tell it from regular 1080.

As far as if that forge is getting hot enough to forge with see if it will get the steel hot enough that it will become non-magnetic. That's what you will need for heat treating and will be minimal for forging one of the more simple steels like that ones that have been mentioned to you.

I would avoid the 1095 because you don't have the heat control necessary to get reliable results with it. Also be aware that not all 1095 is created equal and some of it doesn't have a good reputation with all smiths on these boards.

Doug