If one were to attempt to weld 1095 to 15n20, how hot does the forge/metal need to get to weld effectively?  Trying to spec out my forge and want to make sure I build it safely.

Thanks guys
Rusty

Forge welding generally requires a reducing atmosphere and a temp of 2350-2400 F degrees. Yes, some can weld a little lower but you can consistantly weld under those conditions.

I will point out that there is much more to welding than those two things alone. You know that of course.    

Rusty, I'd say you're on a slippery slope...but a darned good one   .  I built myself a gas forge a little over a year ago and ended up needing to make some modifications to get to welding heat.  I lined mine with Kaowool and regular refractory cement (didn't have the money to spend on the ITC 100) and it's a 2 burner.  I was unable to reach temps for welding and after re-coating the inside with ITC 100 a little while back, it now gets me there.  The ITC 100 (in my opinion) was definitely worth it with the style of forge I built.  If yours is going to be a blown forge, you're already ahead on getting those higher temps.  A really easy way to check if you're getting hot enough is to get pyrometric cones from the pottery supply place-they're set to bend the tips over at a specific temp.  Cheaper than a pyrometer   .

Good luck and post pics.

Jeremy

well everybody knows that welding heat is hot enough to weld with lol sorry i have no experiance or advice on this matter but sometimes a person could use a little chuckle.  i have yet to try the weld but would like to just dont really know what i would weld.

Thanks for the input, guys.

It sounds like the damascus idea will be a "down the road" thing for me.  I think I'll stick with a small two-bricker to get started with forging to shape and such.  I just thought I'd ask while I'm still in the planning phase.

Thanks for the tip about the pyrometric cones, Jeremy.  I had seen something about them on a forge-building site a while back and had forgotten about them.  That's good stuff once I hit that "down the road" thing.

Oh, and remind me to smack a Kansan next time I run into one.    

Rusty

ya got to take a ticket and get in line for that one rusty..... i have a feeling it would be a long line.