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Old timer at the shop told me I was forging too cold, still not sure I agree
I was working on a coat hook at a hammer-in near Denver last spring, and this 70 year old blacksmith walks up and tells me my steel looks like it's fighting me because I'm not letting it soak long enough. He said he always works at a bright orange heat and never lets it drop below cherry. But in my experience, running that hot on thinner stock just burns the scale off and leaves pitting. Has anyone else run into this debate, or am I just being stubborn?
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evan_morgan816d ago
Man that's a relatable spot to be in. I've been there with my own metalwork and it's tough when some old hand comes in with advice that goes against what you've seen work. It's not about being stubborn, it's about trusting your own eyes and hands. Running hot on thin stuff can definitely mess with the surface, I've had that same pitting issue and it's frustrating. You gotta forge at the heat that feels right for your piece, not just because someone says so.
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@evan_morgan81 right, because nothing says craftsmanship like letting your steel turn into a potato chip.
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