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Post by ryo on Sept 2, 2023 1:51:07 GMT
Hello, I have a few antique swords I've had to take apart to remove rust (they were very rusty, and I already took them apart what's done is done) and obviously I had to remove the peen to do so.
I've read online that most people weld more stock on to the tang; preheat, weld, air cool, then thermal cycle to reduce stress on the weld as far as I can tell. I've also come across some people saying they braze more material on. Is that viable, or is welding the way to go? I'm guessing for either I would need to make a v cut to make an effective connection. For either, any recommendations on filler material, settings for the welder etc?
I'm decently competent in welding, but if I'm gonna to have to tig weld or anything that's beyond me, I'm just a machinist.
Thanks in advance!
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Post by larason2 on Sept 2, 2023 12:36:21 GMT
Welding is stronger than brazing, so I'd do that. If you're planning on using your sword, you want this as strong as possible. You're probably a better welder than I am, but the most important is that you anneal the metal after welding, so that it's soft. This involves heating just the area of the join up to red heat, say with a propane torch, and letting it cool slowly. Heat cycling may work similarly, but I would think you're wasting time. A welded join is pretty strong, provided it's not too hard and therefore brittle. You don't need a fancy welder. Mig welding should be fine. Don't worry about what kind of filler it is, it needs to be soft. Grinding a V might help with strength, but I don't think it's a big deal.
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mrstabby
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Post by mrstabby on Sept 2, 2023 13:37:59 GMT
Brazing can be pretty strong, you need enough area between the 2 pieces though (I have seen brazing on rifle sights and the connection can outlast the sight post when being dropped on it, but these have a dovetail as well). Welding is stronger hands down, but especially for small stuff with little surface area on the 2 pieces to be joined. The biggest positive for brazing is that it's lower temperature and pretty easy on the materials you need, but when you have the equipment to weld, do it! You need to be more careful with overheating when welding and you put more stress into the metal due to higher temps, but if you have some experience welding it should be easy for you.
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Post by mrbadexample on Sept 2, 2023 15:11:46 GMT
Brazing is plenty strong and I’ve seen many brazed connections on complex guards that held up in use. It would work. Of course, so will welding. Go with the one you are more comfortable with and don’t worry about the strength of joint.
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Post by ryo on Sept 2, 2023 15:47:52 GMT
Hey guys! Thanks a bunch for all the responses, I think I'll go with welding just cuz I have the ability to, and it's the strongest between the two choices. I think I'll do at least a small v groove just because I don't quite trust a butt joint there even though I'm sure it'd be fine, going from you guys.
Thanks again!
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Post by ryo on Sept 2, 2023 20:44:41 GMT
Welding is stronger than brazing, so I'd do that. If you're planning on using your sword, you want this as strong as possible. You're probably a better welder than I am, but the most important is that you anneal the metal after welding, so that it's soft. This involves heating just the area of the join up to red heat, say with a propane torch, and letting it cool slowly. Heat cycling may work similarly, but I would think you're wasting time. A welded join is pretty strong, provided it's not too hard and therefore brittle. You don't need a fancy welder. Mig welding should be fine. Don't worry about what kind of filler it is, it needs to be soft. Grinding a V might help with strength, but I don't think it's a big deal. Thanks for letting me know, getting it red hot post weld seems pretty simple, I was expecting to have to do a decent bit of heating.
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