Seeking your advice

[lei_lisondz]

Got any tips to keep a mandrel from sticking to a socket when welding? I know titanium dioxide paint or a thick layer of scale can help. Would a dry graphite spray work instead? What other techniques have you seen work well?

 

[iron4lchemist]

Using dry graphite spray is an effective way to stop a mandrel from sticking to a socket. It creates a lubricating barrier that minimizes adhesion. You might also find that applying a light coat of anti-spatter spray or a thin layer of boron nitride can help prevent sticking as well.

 

[Jackson55]

Got any tips to keep a mandrel from sticking to a socket when welding? I know titanium dioxide paint or a thick layer of scale can help. Would a dry graphite spray work instead? What other techniques have you seen work well?

Graphite spray absolutely works, especially the dry kind.
It's fantastic for high-temp release, much cleaner than paint or scale sometimes.
Just make sure to reapply if you're doing a bunch of pieces.
Another pro trick is using a razor-thin piece of stainless foil or shim stock as a physical barrier.
It prevents micro-welding and usually flakes off clean after cooling.
Also keep your weld heat focused and try to cool the mandrel quickly!

 

[Alan]

You might also want to consider using a ceramic-based release agent. These agents are designed to handle high temps while leaving little residue behind. They're commonly used in die casting and can actually work better than graphite when it comes to repeated cycles.

 

[FPDoc]

Got any tips to keep a mandrel from sticking to a socket when welding? I know titanium dioxide paint or a thick layer of scale can help. Would a dry graphite spray work instead? What other techniques have you seen work well?

I used to put a pinch of coal dust into the hole I was punching (hammer heads etc.) and then also being as quick as I could be about getting the punch or mandrel out and cooling. With welding sockets it has always been about making the weld quickly and doing the final shaping or weld smoothing as a more secondary step.. but in and weld and mandrel out for me (so prob scale as the magic ingredient). Some good ideas in the other replies