Rex,
I was never really worried about the temps from the start. The second time I used the kiln I ran a piece of Ats-34 at 1975 for about 20 minutes just to "see" if I'd made a good purchase. I was fully prepared for the consequences but there were none. I used the kiln quite often since. Apparently nothing melted or broke. I'm not advocating doing reckless things but I push my tools full tilt just so I know what they're capable of.....always have.
Rudy[/QUOTE
Rudy,
That was far from reckless Bud, and I'd say they would more than likely stand up to a lot hotter than that. BUT! I'm just the opposite of you, I do my best to NOT take anything to the limit, I guess it's my way of taking care of things, I baby everything I invest huge amounts money in, from the Toyota 4X4 I used to drive to the Cub Cadet Lawn Mower I have now, my shop equipment gets the same kind of care. At the same time I do find out what the limitations are, just a little at a time.
As far as the kiln goes, 1975 isn't a problem WITH the computer control, without it, the problems arise when you try to maintain the temps, WITHOUT going over 2000. Getting there is no problem, staying there with the analog controller is almost impossible it's a bump it down, bump it back up, bump it back down, kind of game. I eventually went ahead and sprung for the computer, and my heat treating life hasn't been better! If money is tight I highly recommend going that route. With high carbon steel it is not as critical and is preferred! It's when you venture into the high end stainless that the computer control is a necessity.
Also, I like warranties, I usually follow the guidelines so as not to void them, this way if something does break as I do have a knack for picking out the right one or in this case the wrong one!
I thought I would introduce myself, and ask a few questions to see if we can get to know each other better, mine is pretty simple, I'm 45 years old (physically). Mentally? 16!I've been making knives now for 2 years, almost every knife I've made was well over 12" or very close to it. I've made a few of smaller blades, I didn't like many of them, one of them I did like but I didn't nail the HT, so it gets dull PDQ. Other than that, which is easily fixable on the next one, the shape, style and look is pretty sweet! I made it to be a side pocket knife on my Carpenter pants, everything turned out great! I just couldn't believe I missed the HT! I'm a former Marine, married with 1 son and a step-son, spend a how lot of time at the Baseball and Football fields during their respected seasons. The rest of the time I'm cutting grass, building some new gizmo, or just maybe, I might be making a knife! Ok, that's pretty much about me, extremely simple, easy going, a helluvalotoffun! And that I guarantee!!! Looking forward to hearing back from you, Rex
PS It's late I'm tired and I can't keep my eyes open, so there will be some errors in this one, it's bed time at 10 til 2:00 AM! Nighty night!
So how long have you been making knives? And what is you preferred method of making them, is there anything special that you focus on? Any wicked talent at getting certain types of finished? I know I ask a lot of questions, but you seem like a pretty nice fella, thought I might like to get to know you a little better. There are so many things I plan doin