Welding a billet

[springer82]

I welded a billet together last night. I have a small wire feed. I use .03 flux core wire. There is always a brown residue all over the billet after welding. I have always just taken the wire brush to it. So,,, my question is can the residue become a problem when forge welding. I ASSUME the brown power starts out as a gas. Can it get between the layers and cause a problem that turns up when I'm grinding.

 

[EdCaffreyMS]

The residue isn't an issue....... ANY welding wire or rod that you get on a billet is..... it needs to be ground COMPLETELY off after the first forge welding. If left on the billet, it will show ugly gray blobs in the finished product.

 

[springer82]

Thank you for your help Ed. That brown power just looks bad. I had to ask. I have been grinding the weld off the billet. I don't think as good as you said. Most of it. My last billet did not turn out so well. That was the reason for my question. With another waiting to go into the forge I just wanted to make sure. I'll grind all the weld off this time. Thank you again!!