Low cardon rod

[guarnera]

I've heard that folding cable 4 times gives a nice hada when being used to make Japanese style blades. What I would like to do is basically the same thing only using W1 drill rod. 1/8th" drill rod with smaller diameter in the spaces between the 1/8th" rod. Heat, twist, and weld, and fold. However, I would like some low carbon or mild steel rod as some of the smaller rod, just to bring the total carbon content down a little. Does anyone knoe where I can get some, say 1/16th" low carbon rod or wire? Preferably decarbed ( no scale ). Thanks.

 

Tony G

[flage]

most hardware stores will have it.

[Kristopher Skelton]

1/16 is about the diameter of a steel wire coathanger- your local drycleaner should be able to help you out

[flage]

some coat hangers are galvinized so be careful

[Kristopher Skelton]

previous discussions have galvy stuff being soaked in vinegar to remove same. Disposal of high concentrations of zinc may be problematic, but I wouldn't think that the hobbyist doing this once or twice with a handful of coathangers could ruin the local ecosystem if they flushed the stuff down the toilet or into a processed wastewater system. people with septic systems (with water systems that drain to "nowhere") may have to consider where they're going to dispose of the vinegar.

 

Burning off is another option if the area is clear of people.

[guarnera]

1/16 is about the diameter of a steel wire coathanger- your local drycleaner should be able to help you out

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Thanks for the replys.

Do we know what coat hangers are made of? I really don't want to add any unknowns into the mix. If they are simple low carbon steel, then thats fine. But if they are made from any old scrap, and you never know what could be in them, then thats not good. So does anyone know what they are made of? If its a simple 10xx, like 1008, or 1018 or something like that, it would be great. And again, thanks a lot. I never thought of coat hangers.

[csc]

what about bailing wire...you can get it in huge spools cheap, but I don't know what it is. any farm supply store will have it.

chad

[Alan Longmire]

Coathangers are made of "any old scrap." Most are not galvanized, but are laquered.

 

Baling wire and rebar tie wire are usually 1010 or 1008.

[guarnera]

Coathangers are made of "any old scrap."  Most are not galvanized, but are laquered. 

 

Baling wire and rebar tie wire are usually 1010 or 1008.

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Thanks Alan, I'll try the bailing wire.

 

Tony G