The Armour Archive

trying to figure out what type of stainless to use. working on rapier bits and wait is a real concern.
have some 308 that I was using but its rusting a bit more then I would like.

Which rapier bits, and how are you working the stainless? 308 is pretty rust resistant ordinarily. Offhand, I'd say you might be encountering one or both of 2 common problems. One-if you're using heat to work the metal, the high temp will oxidise the surface of the steel and make it much more prone to rusting than normal. If this is the case, all you need to do is sand/grind a little until you reach base metal and the problem should clear up. Which brings me to point 2-if you're using an abrasive on the stainless that's also used on mild steel, it can leave minute particles of other material embedded in the steel, and they will rust. Wire brushes are famous for this, but many things can cause it.

Also-are you sure that what you're using is 308?

Hope this helps.

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-Mark
CLANG Armory
http://clang.adkinssoftware.com

308 tig rod its been sitting in the basment for a while so that could have somthing to do with it.
have a friend in a machine shop with most tools. probibly get the pommel and the keyons (phonetic spelling). looking to purchase the guard probibly form tripplet and add a standard grip.
using a zamarano blade purchased form them earlyer.
looking into make a ring guard at a latter date so info on working it hot would be appreciated.