Forge welding for the first time: borax, a clean fire and speed

The steel has to be at a bright yellow, almost white, sparking heat. Flux (20 Mule Team borax from the laundry aisle) at an orange heat, back in the fire, bring it up, out quickly, and hit it with fast light blows starting from the middle to squeeze the flux out. If it is not stuck in the first three blows, it is not going to be; reflux and reheat.

A propane forge with a cheap burner usually cannot get there. Charcoal with a good air blast can. Start with a simple faggot weld (fold a bar on itself) before attempting a billet.