Figured out why my forge welds kept failing after 3 weeks of frustration

I was trying to weld up a billet for a small damascus blade and kept getting cold shuts. Spent two full weekends checking my flux, my heat, even my hammer technique. Turns out my propane forge was running lean and I wasn't getting the right atmosphere. Adjusted the air mix and first weld stuck like glue. Anyone else have a forge setting that drove them crazy for way too long?

2 comments

2 Comments

juliag1021d ago

Oh man, I heard about this from a guy at a hammer-in last year. He spent months messing with his forge before realizing the same thing, said his flame was too lazy and oxidizing like crazy. I always thought lean meant clean burn, but for forge welding you really need that cozy blanket of reducing atmosphere. Swapped out my burner tip for a smaller orifice and it fixed my issues overnight.

alicesingh21d agoMost Upvoted

Man, that is rough. I feel for your buddy, spending months on it. It is so easy to get stuck thinking lean is the right way because that's what you hear for most gas forges. Your mileage may vary, but I've seen so many guys fight with the exact same thing. That cozy blanket is the whole secret, you're right. A smaller orifice can be a total game changer. Glad he finally got it sorted out.