Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2004
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Here is a simple way to have a 2 gallon,electrically heated quench tank that will maintain temperature nicely.
Tools- Screwdrivers,hacksaw,saber saw with bi-metal blade,large wrenches,pipe wrench,drill.Putty knife and rags for Bondo work.
The main unit is a 2.5 gallon electric water heater.You can get one at Home Depot,Lowe's,Plumbing Suppliers,(Maybe even a free used one from a plumber).They cost $100-140(watch for sales and 10% off offers).They come with the power cord already attached.You also need a quart can of Bondo (auto parts store),a 3/4"metal boiler drain valve, and a metal meat thermometer with a 6-8" probe.
Start by removing the old drain valve,relief valve,element cover,and top cover.(You won't re-use the drain and relief valves.)
Disconnect the power cord leads from the temperature controller (note where they go for re-installation).
Carefully slide out insulation (don't get it all over yourself,it itches) Discard top insulation piece,save side pieces.
Remove bolt from bottom center and slide out the tank.
Remove anode from bottom ,cut off anode rod,reinstall plug.
Using a saber saw with an 18 tooth bi-metal blade,cut out the top along the seam and across the top - leaving the old "HOT" hole.This is where you will put your thermometer.The cut out area should expose one side of the element clear to the bottom. SEE PHOTO 1
File,grind,or sand the edges smooth.Clean debree out of tank.
Put tank back in shell.Reinstall bottom bolt (align drain holes in tank and shell).Reconnect wires.Install a new metal boiler drain valve.
Drill a 3/4" hole in element cover to allow adjustment of thermostat. Reinstall element cover.
Cut insulation into 3-4" wide strips and reinsert down sides (a ruler helps slide it down).Push down until insulation is 1" below tank lip.Cut a piece of cardboard to fit snugly above the heating element so the Bondo doesn't drip down there in the next step.
Mix up a batch of Bondo and seal shell around top.Smooth bondo up to edge of shell.(You could probably use Satanite or quick set cement to do this.
Place a piece of duct tape over the "COLD" and "RELIEF" holes in the top cover.Turn over and put Bondo in the holes and let dry.Peal off tape and the holes are nicely plugged.Leave the "HOT" hole open. SEE PHOTO 2
Add handles to both sides of the shell and one on the top cover.
Use a metal meat thermometer to read the oil temperature.When in use drop it in the hole in the tank.When the top cover is on drop it through the "HOT" hole in the top (these holes should line up)
SEE PHOTO 3
Your tank is done - Clean it out,fill it with 2 gallons of a good commercial quench oil (stop about 1" from top lip of tank.)
Set thermostat to a little below midway.Plug in and let heat up until it reaches a steady temperature.Slowly increase thermostat until desired temperature is reached.130-135 is a good area.
More photos:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=54442&d=1143165430
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=54443&d=1143165446
SAFETY: Never try to move the tank with hot oil in it!
Unplug tank when done quenching.
Never plug in unit unless full of oil.
Tools- Screwdrivers,hacksaw,saber saw with bi-metal blade,large wrenches,pipe wrench,drill.Putty knife and rags for Bondo work.
The main unit is a 2.5 gallon electric water heater.You can get one at Home Depot,Lowe's,Plumbing Suppliers,(Maybe even a free used one from a plumber).They cost $100-140(watch for sales and 10% off offers).They come with the power cord already attached.You also need a quart can of Bondo (auto parts store),a 3/4"metal boiler drain valve, and a metal meat thermometer with a 6-8" probe.
Start by removing the old drain valve,relief valve,element cover,and top cover.(You won't re-use the drain and relief valves.)
Disconnect the power cord leads from the temperature controller (note where they go for re-installation).
Carefully slide out insulation (don't get it all over yourself,it itches) Discard top insulation piece,save side pieces.
Remove bolt from bottom center and slide out the tank.
Remove anode from bottom ,cut off anode rod,reinstall plug.
Using a saber saw with an 18 tooth bi-metal blade,cut out the top along the seam and across the top - leaving the old "HOT" hole.This is where you will put your thermometer.The cut out area should expose one side of the element clear to the bottom. SEE PHOTO 1
File,grind,or sand the edges smooth.Clean debree out of tank.
Put tank back in shell.Reinstall bottom bolt (align drain holes in tank and shell).Reconnect wires.Install a new metal boiler drain valve.
Drill a 3/4" hole in element cover to allow adjustment of thermostat. Reinstall element cover.
Cut insulation into 3-4" wide strips and reinsert down sides (a ruler helps slide it down).Push down until insulation is 1" below tank lip.Cut a piece of cardboard to fit snugly above the heating element so the Bondo doesn't drip down there in the next step.
Mix up a batch of Bondo and seal shell around top.Smooth bondo up to edge of shell.(You could probably use Satanite or quick set cement to do this.
Place a piece of duct tape over the "COLD" and "RELIEF" holes in the top cover.Turn over and put Bondo in the holes and let dry.Peal off tape and the holes are nicely plugged.Leave the "HOT" hole open. SEE PHOTO 2
Add handles to both sides of the shell and one on the top cover.
Use a metal meat thermometer to read the oil temperature.When in use drop it in the hole in the tank.When the top cover is on drop it through the "HOT" hole in the top (these holes should line up)
SEE PHOTO 3
Your tank is done - Clean it out,fill it with 2 gallons of a good commercial quench oil (stop about 1" from top lip of tank.)
Set thermostat to a little below midway.Plug in and let heat up until it reaches a steady temperature.Slowly increase thermostat until desired temperature is reached.130-135 is a good area.
More photos:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=54442&d=1143165430
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=54443&d=1143165446
SAFETY: Never try to move the tank with hot oil in it!
Unplug tank when done quenching.
Never plug in unit unless full of oil.
. Though I'd like to see the attachment as well is Stacy still has it somewhere 
.
It's all good, Gabaski. This is some good info.