Pallet banding is actually carbon steel?!

Mahiro Shukosa · Post by **Mahiro Shukosa** » Fri Jul 05, 2002 6:29 pm

Hello all. Just recently, I had the chance to aqquire a whole lot of pallet banding. The dimensions are approximately 1.5" by 22g. I was told by the guy at the yard that it was "just banding iron" and not carbon steel. Disappointed, I put all of it back, but kept one piece to do a test. I just tested it (by heating to red and quenching), and blimey if it is not *really* hard steel! Question is, can I make combat-worthy japanese kozane, or indeed any armor out of it, or is it too thin? Thanks!

M.S.

Patrick · Post by **Patrick** » Fri Jul 05, 2002 6:39 pm

Some folks make basic broadhead arrows out of the stuff. Seems to work pretty well. I would guess that you could make a decent armor out of it, unless you need the mass for protection. I'm not really into Japanese stuff, but I bet it'd work fine.

Sadly, everybody in my area seems to use a plastic banding material, now.

-Patrick

ironmongermisc · Post by **ironmongermisc** » Fri Jul 05, 2002 9:07 pm

Actually it is spring steel,,,
and armor can be made from it,, we made several sets of body armor by weaving it like potholders and riveting the ends on light leather backing, like a leveling split.
it makes light and kinda mongolish/oriental stuff,, be sure to back it leather as it "pinches" somethin fierce,,,

Tom Knighton · Post by **Tom Knighton** » Fri Jul 05, 2002 9:17 pm

It is my understanding as well that it works well with 15th century brig. ALOT less cutting is a good thing!!

Bran

HugoFuchs · Post by **HugoFuchs** » Fri Jul 05, 2002 9:33 pm

I've got some strapping that I intend to use to do some scale with it.

Captain Jamie · Post by **Captain Jamie** » Fri Jul 05, 2002 9:38 pm

A friend of mine with a degree in metalurgy and experience in the steel mills that produce it says that it is about 1050 carbon steel.

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Captain Jamie-a marvellous valorous gentleman, that is certain
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Bob H · Post by **Bob H** » Sat Jul 06, 2002 1:59 am

Wish to hell it was "band iron", iron is a lot more expensive and hard to get in the USA than carbon steel.

Will 1050 forge-weld easily?

Konstantin the Red · Post by **Konstantin the Red** » Sat Jul 06, 2002 4:51 am

Bob, it should; 1050 is a simple steel.

toweyb · Post by **toweyb** » Sat Jul 06, 2002 8:05 am

The most common variety of it used to be called "1040 clock spring."

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Krag · Post by **Krag** » Sat Jul 06, 2002 11:14 am

It works great layered with 1095 for pattern welding too.

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Mahiro Shukosa · Post by **Mahiro Shukosa** » Mon Jul 08, 2002 12:42 am

Well, hopefully this stuff will work ok for kozane. After my Beverly B2 gets here

I shall be able to make plates at a prodigious rate.

M.S.