Here's a crash course in the different types of metal you can use for blacksmithing, along with the pros and cons of each. As you can see, each one has its strengths, so it can sometimes be difficult to choose!

Steel
+ Cheapest of metals
+ Right down the middle of almost all properties
+ Readily available in structural shapes
– Susceptible to rust, needs to be protected
– Harder to cut than aluminum — cannot use the same tools you would use for wood

Stainless steel
+ Most protected metal of the class — will not rust unless exposed to acid due to chromium or nickel content — forms a transparent oxide layer
– Heavy
– Difficult to fabricate and maintain stainless status — other metals affect corrosion resistance
– Warps easily on welding, and can blow off molybdenum causing rust

Aluminum
+ Most practical lightweight material
+ Oxide layer protects from rust as long as it is protected from other metals
+ Very easy to machine
+ Readily available in structural shapes
– Hard to weld for beginners
– More expensive to buy, fewer number of CNC technologies for plate cutting

Copper
+ Potential for beautiful patinas and aging
+ Inert to many other metals
+/– Easily formable, but work hardens quickly — need to use a torch to temper metal while hammering

Which metal do you usually use for blacksmithing? Do you agree with the pros and cons listed here? What things do you consider when choosing a metal for blacksmithing? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Article Source: Makezine