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The Damascus Forum The art and study of Damascus steel making. |
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#1
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cleaning agents for steel cable?
Hi guys.
I had a go at making cable Damascus in the weekend and had trouble getting all the strands to fuse. I think it had to do with all the oil and dirt inside the cable, so I was wondering what can I use to clean it without ruining it for forging. Three out of six strands fused quite well, but that was after multiple heats and many coats of borax. So I have enough to replace the blade inside my pocket knife, but I want to make some more. |
#2
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What I do is burn out the grease at a much lower temp, like 1500f. Run it until the flame goes out. Then I take out the cable, take it apart (the major strands)and wire brush it all by hand, Then re-assemble the cable. This helps a lot. I have heard some using kerosene and even gasoline but I have not had good luck. Did not try the gasoline though.
__________________ http://www.woodchuckforge.com Avatar, Scott Taylor Memorial Scholarship Knife Photo by Bob Glassman Chuck Richards ABS J.S. |
#3
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I soak it in Diesel for a few days , then lay it in a pit set it on fire and burn it the next day wash it off , a few whacks with the hammer and the brush to separate it clean it up put it back together a lil borax and in the forge and it is ready to go !
Sam |
#4
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I use 1 1/4 cable. its stiff enough to stand up by its self. I use engine degreaser starting at the top and let run down. After2 or 3 hrs wash it off with water and burn the rest out in forge. Heat will let left over grease bubble out and burn. I then heat to dark cherry wire brush flux and weld. It works for me
Last edited by coal forge user; 03-01-2013 at 09:23 PM. Reason: river rat spelling |
#5
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I also suggest a mild acid etch after the degreasing.
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#6
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I don't recommend Gasoline for anything. Far too explosive, and I have the burn scars to prove it.
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#7
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I use kerosene and then purple power degreaser then burn it off in the forge...then wire brush it and flux it and forge it..
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Tags |
acid, back, blade, damascus, etch, fire, folding knife, forge, forging, hammer, knife, pocket knife, steel |
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