How to Forge Metal in Carbon Steel
Instead of heating an ore to its molten core and pouring it into a cast, forging requires you to heat the metal to a point where it can be manipulated and beaten into shape. Carbon steel is forged from iron ore that has carbon, manganese and many other elements. The use of carbon steel is found in almost every type of manufacturing today. The basics of forging are easily learned, but it takes years to properly learn the intracacies of this metalworking craft.
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Things You'll Need
- Carbon steel
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- Fire-resistant clothing
- Heating source (charcoal or wood)
- Hearth (or charcoal grill)
- Tuyere (a pipe that air can be forced through)
- Air source (bellow or blower)
- Water trough
- Blacksmithing tongs
- Anvil
- Hammer
- Magnet
Instructions
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Forge Construction
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1
Purchase a charcoal grill from a local retailer. Remove the guts of the grill. Place the grill outside.
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2
Buy a piece of copper pipe small enough to insert through the bottom vent holes of the charcoal grill. The diameter of the tuyere must be tight enough to fit snug when inserted into the vents of the charcoal grill. Make sure the tuyere extends out far enough from the bottom of the grill so you can insert a blower or bellow into the inside diameter of the tuyere.
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3
Fill the grill with a heat source, such as charcoal or wood. Preheat the charcoal or wood to the point of embers, adding additional charcoal and wood when necessary.
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4
Ensure that the anvil is placed on a solid surface because you will be hammering the carbon steel on top of the anvil. Set the water trough close enough to the anvil so you will not need to walk far with the hot steel and fill the trough with water.
Forging
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5
Purchase precut carbon steel from a local steel manufacturer. You can buy carbon steel cut in long bars or blocks. Make sure you have enough carbon steel to forge what you want to shape.
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6
Insert the carbon steel into the hearth or grill. Let the carbon steel rod get red hot and remove the metal with the blacksmithing tongs. You can determine the carbon steel is at the right temperature by running a magnet across the surface of the hot metal. Carbon steel that is forged to the proper temperature loses its magnetic charge. The magnet will not be attracted to the carbon steel if it is heated sufficiently.
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7
Remove the red hot carbon steel and place it on the anvil for shaping. Beat the steel into shape with the hammer. You will have to move quickly and pound the steel with the hammer until all the metal scale is removed. If the carbon steel cools before you have completed shaping the material, reheat the steel until you have the desired shape.
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8
Depending on the hardening technique you choose to use, plunge the carbon steel into the water trough or let it air cool.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Carbon steel forging is an art, so experiment with different forging tools and hardening techniques until you have your own metalworking signature.
Always wear your personal protective equipment when forging and handling hot carbon steel. Never make your hearth or other forging components out of galvanized steel. Galvanized steel releases a poisonous gas when heated.
References
- Photo Credit Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
