5/8 x 2 x 12 O-1 anneal

[Cliff Davis]

My question is,
How long would you recommend a piece this size (5/8x2x12) soak at 1450 before slowly (40 per hour) bringing the temp down to 1000?

I'd appreciate any advice you could give. I haven't attempted a piece this size before. Thanks!!

 

[Chris Meyer]

According to the Heat Treater's Guide;

Annealing: Heat to 1400 to 1450 F. Use lower temperature for small sections and higher temperature for large sections. Holding time is about 1 to 4hrs. Use shorter time for light sections and small furnace charges, and longer time for heavy sections and large charges… Cool at a maximum rate of 40 F per hour. The maximum rate is not critical after cooling below 1000 F.

Cycle Annealing: Heat to 1350 F, hold for 4hrs. Heat to 1440 F, hold for 2 hrs. Cool to 1275 F, hold for 6hrs. Air cool.

My guess would be that even though your piece of steel is big in knife maker's terms, it is small by the heat treating industry's standards. Therefore, I would go with the lower temps and times.

 

[Cliff Davis]

My guess would be that even though your piece of steel is big in knife maker's terms, it is small by the heat treating industry's standards. Therefore, I would go with the lower temps and times.

Good point that I hadn't considered. Thank you Chris for the information.