ok, I'm starting a viking sword. Again. (I have questions about my billets)

[tormentchris]

The first time didn't go so well but thats beside the point today.

I am starting the core billet with wrought iron, 15n20, 1095 and 1075 I plan to stack 4, 1" W, 6" L, 3/8" thick wrought with 5, 1" W, 6" L, 1/16" thick 15n20, 5, 1" L, 6" W, 1/8" thick 1095 and 3, 1" W, 6" L, 1/4" thick 1075. For the cutting edge I plan to stack 6, 1095 same size, 3, wrought iron same size, and 6,1075 same size. I guess, what I'm wondering, is that going to work out? I plan to do a tripple twisted core and a high layer cutting edge. Now that I have my coal forge hooked up again, I'm comfortable starting a sword again as my gas wasn't welding something that size well enough. I'm looking for a little advice on this billet arangment. I know there are several different mixes but, ya know.

Thanks for any help,

Chris

[Emiliano Carrillo]

It seems like you're starting with plenty of material! I guess the only thing is make sure you're working the wrought hot enough to dissuade any splitting and take it slow. I usually weld up the core entirely before starting the edges because I can be more sure of exactly how much material I need.

 

I can't see any issue with the arrangement of everything though, happy forging and good luck!

[Alan Longmire]

The wrought is awfully thick compared to your high carbon. I'd take it down to no more than 1/4" thick before stacking. It will squoosh far more than the high carbon stuff, and at that thickness I'd be worried that carbon migration would be more than you'd like to experience.

[tormentchris]

Great thanks!!! Here I go

I'll report my progress. More to help me with feedback than anything else but I'm excited to get this thing goin.

[tormentchris]

So, I got my billet drawn out to 7/16" suared and it's 3' long. If I am makng a tripple core, is that going to be long enough? I was thinkng I should weld up another billet with identicle numbers, draw it out and use 18" of it so that all three of the core pieces are 18." It seems to me that 3, 12" pieces will be too small and will be way too thin after the final draw out and fuller is ground. Are my estimations right? Maybe if I had 4 at 12" and 7/16" thick it might work. I'd much rather have too much than not enough (lenght I mean.)

Thanks, Chris