Getting a clean weld on a Damascus billet took me three full days.

The flux kept burning off before the steel would fuse properly. Anyone have a better flux recipe for pattern welding?

3 comments

3 Comments

Honestly, isn't the main issue usually temperature control, not just the flux? Try a borax glass mix with a bit of iron powder to help it stick.

caseys303mo ago

Yeah temperature is huge for sure. Read a forum post where a guy kept getting cold shuts because his forge just wasn't hot enough, even with good flux. He cranked the heat and it welded first try. The borax and iron powder trick is a solid tip for dirty steel, helps get a good seal.

brookerobinson1mo ago

The borax glass with iron powder is exactly what I've used on some real crusty railroad spike projects. @caseys30 mentioned a guy getting cold shuts from a cold forge, and I've been there for sure. I'll get the steel looking right but if my propane burner isn't tuned perfect, it'll just sit there. Had one billet where I kept hitting it and nothing stuck until I added a pinch of iron powder with the flux, it grabbed right away. Make sure your fire is clean and hot before you even touch the hammer on dirty steel.