Rob Nelson
Well-Known Member
Aloha!
So I have #2 ready for HT (while waiting for #1 to get back from Peters) and since its 1080, I'd like to do this on my own. I've read alot of posts here, read entries from 2 books, watched a bunch of video clips. Of course none of them are precise to what I'm trying to do, so I'm moving cautiously and seeking help.
Using a fire brick on my grill in the back yard as a workspace, my plan is to torch harden using a propane torch for the HT (will a bottle propane torch work?), taking it past non-magnetic (using a cheap telescoping magnet to test), and quenching in preheated mineral oil. Then tempering in my toaster.
Don Fogg on torch hardening "For small blades it is possible and efficient to heat them with a torch. You need a large tip, adjusted to a slightly rich flame. This will show as a blue inner cone off the white hot point in the flame. Moving the flame back and forth over the blade will give an even heat. Be careful to shoot the flame at an angle to the blade so that no spot gets hotter than another. Another use for a torch is flame hardening of the edge. By moving the flame just along the edge at a consistent and fast pace, the edge will rapidly austenize and air harden. It requires practice and a good hand, but can yield consistent results and can be useful in some applications."
With 1080, could I just flame harden the edge, let it air harden, cool to room temp, then temper it in the stove? Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Mahalo,
Chaps
So I have #2 ready for HT (while waiting for #1 to get back from Peters) and since its 1080, I'd like to do this on my own. I've read alot of posts here, read entries from 2 books, watched a bunch of video clips. Of course none of them are precise to what I'm trying to do, so I'm moving cautiously and seeking help.
Using a fire brick on my grill in the back yard as a workspace, my plan is to torch harden using a propane torch for the HT (will a bottle propane torch work?), taking it past non-magnetic (using a cheap telescoping magnet to test), and quenching in preheated mineral oil. Then tempering in my toaster.
Don Fogg on torch hardening "For small blades it is possible and efficient to heat them with a torch. You need a large tip, adjusted to a slightly rich flame. This will show as a blue inner cone off the white hot point in the flame. Moving the flame back and forth over the blade will give an even heat. Be careful to shoot the flame at an angle to the blade so that no spot gets hotter than another. Another use for a torch is flame hardening of the edge. By moving the flame just along the edge at a consistent and fast pace, the edge will rapidly austenize and air harden. It requires practice and a good hand, but can yield consistent results and can be useful in some applications."
With 1080, could I just flame harden the edge, let it air harden, cool to room temp, then temper it in the stove? Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Mahalo,
Chaps
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