Cannister Damascus

[Tom Lewis]

One nice thing about knifemaking is you don't need to get into a rut. There is always something else to try. I have made lots of pattern welded Damascus, also chain, wire, etc. Damascus.
I decided to try cannister Damascus. I used a 2" tube 1/8" thick. The tube was 4" long. I put cut up pieces of chainsaw chain in the cannister along with 1084 powder. I welded both ends shut. I did not use whiteout. I felt the cannister would be ground off when I shaped the blade. I also did not put any paper, W-D 40, etc. in the cannister and did not drill a hole.
Once the cannister looked like it was ready to weld I left it in the forge for an additional 30 minutes. I compressed the cannister with my hydraulic press with V dies. I did this twice then used my 100lb little giant power hammer to draw out the billet. I got three blades out of this cannister.

 

[argel55]

You can also line the canister if you desire with used heat treat foil. I spent some time today loading one with drill spirals from 154cm and 1084 powder to try. i have a friends son who wants a wedding ring. I thought that might be cool to hot blue.

 

[Don Hanson III]

Good stuff Tom. It's easy ain't it.

 

[Ken H>]

Looks good Tom, I'm wanting to try a canister Damascus myself. I've got the 1084 powder (very fine, almost like talc) and a piece of double roller chain to use. What I'd LOVE to do is add some El Campo meteorite chunks to the mix. I might put 2 or 3 small chunks in first time to see if it welds good, if so, then next time would be only 1084 powder with El Campo meteorite.