Ok now a brass question

Aug 26, 2004 23 Replies

True Mokume does not use solder. It is a diffusion weld.

I have made it. You heat the pieces between steel clamp plates. When the edges flash you pull it out and beat the hell out of it. The clean part is right on. The sheets have to be extremely clean and flat.

I expect when you are talking precious metals the technique for boding it would reasonably have to be more efficient. The general concept is the same though... I also expect that you would need to carefully consider the relative melting points of the material in question. Seems like you could do well with the idea of clamping your material between plates of stouter stuff for the "heat and beat". I have read of welding the edges of plates of dissimilare metals in pattern welding before the first weld. If a person was having problems with carbonization you should be able to pull this trick off as much as necessary to accomplish your desired layer count. Just clean the surfaces and seal the edges as often as you want to fold it.

GA

- When all else fails, use the cheat codes.-

There are a few ways to make Mokume gane forge, electric kiln etc. there is a great book out by Steve Midgett "Mokume gane a comprehensive study" which various techniques by different metal smiths. Some good web sites are James Binnions

formatting link
and Steve midgetts
formatting link
There is also an Australian guy Ian Fergusson who uses the solid state diffusion bonding kiln to do some amazing work. He has also published a book called "Mokume Gane"

Chris

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required