Tried a new style of forge welding last weekend and got a nasty surprise

I've been using borax flux for years on my horseshoes, but a buddy told me to try anhydrous borax instead. The slag popped like crazy and left pits all over my weld surface. Has anyone else had that issue with anhydrous flux?

3 comments

3 Comments

jesse_williams621mo ago

Nah man, that popping and pitting sounds like your anhydrous borax was just too dry or maybe even a little damp on the surface. The stuff needs to melt slower or you gotta preheat your metal hotter before you hit it. I've had that happen once when I tried it on a cold piece, and it just exploded little bits everywhere lol.

the_faith1mo ago

Ugh, the exploding bits lol. I've definitely been there with the borax acting up and it's just the worst when you're trying to get a clean weld and suddenly you're dodging little hot sparks. It's super frustrating because you think you're doing everything right and then bam, pop city. Preheating the metal more is such a good tip, even if it feels like an extra step sometimes. Solidarity on that one, man.

jordan10825d ago

Exploded little bits everywhere lol" - is it really that dramatic though? I've had borax fizz a bit but never felt like I was dodging shrapnel. @the_faith I think you might be overselling the danger here, man.