Welding vs. forge joining choosing the right method

[Alan]

So, are you trying to figure out if welding or forging is the better choice for your project? I'd love to hear what you've tried and any advice you have.

 

[Tempered3dge]

Welding works for parts that don't move much. But if a part needs to handle repeated stress, forging is the better option because it makes the metal stronger and last longer.

 

[Dociron]

Simply forging a piece doesn't make it stronger. A stock removal knife isn't less strong than a forged knife if both are tempered properly and the forged knife is FORGED properly. In fact forging can make some objects stronger ( think lifting hooks ) when forged by an experienced smith who truly knows how metal moves and how to heat it properly.

That said : When referring to welding, if you mean forge welding ? Forge welding done correctly is as strong as the parent material and should pose no weakness issues.