Canister Damascus

L

Lawn4cer

Joined
Sep 6, 2019
Messages
2
Hello All,
New member here. Question regarding canister Damascus. Do you or do you not leave a pinhole in the can after filling and welding shut? My first attempt with #2 steel shot and powder 1095 was disastrous leaving a pin hole. Second attempt same ingredients with a completely sealed can was positive although the can swelled and honestly I thought it was going to explode. Any advice from those with experience is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
From everything I've seen and read, no hole. Watch Forged in Fire. They do a lot of canister Damascus. Good Luck.
 
Thx Specgrade. Watch it all the time and no one seems to create a gas vent hole however, J. Neilson, (FIF judge) has a youtube video with advice in making canister Damascus. He uses a pin hole vent when he forges cans. Might be the size of the can he uses though, (2"). Will continue without for now. :-)
 
There is a knifemakers section which might have some good info as well. Post up some pics of what you have made!
 
There are some things that need to be right for successful canister damascus.
1) All voids and spaces need to be eliminated. Vibrate or rapidly tap the canister to get the contents settled before welding things up.
2) The top needs to fit like a piston, not a cap. Make the top you are welding on so it slides inside the canister. Clamp it down tight while tapping the canister to settle things even more. Many folks use the press to assure the top is down as far as it will go. Weld the top in place while clamped, or at least tack all four corners well before releasing any clamp.
3) The contents must be dry and non-flammable. Liquids, still wet white-out, WD-40, paper, etc. will vaporize and make gasses that will cause pressure in the canister. This usually isn't a fatal issue, but avoiding it will be the best way.
4) Weld the canister strongly and air tight. Air is a killer for a good canister weld. If gasses can get out, air can get in. Don't leave gaps or holes in the canister.
5) make the canister sturdy enough to hold up to internal pressures and the abuse of the press. Use heavy wall tubing, or weld them up from pieces of plate. 1/8" is a good thickness. Avoid using thin walled extruded tubing.
6) Make good strong welds. If you have a hole in you welding or canister you will know it. The forge will look like the fourth of July when heating the canister.
 
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