A couple heat treating questions

[Pittknife]

Hi Guys,

I'm attempting my first heat treating. I am doing it on s90v but have an overall question about plate quenching. Should I take the blade out of the steel foil before putting it on the plate? I've seen both ways and not sure which is the right way.

Anther question is on Chad Nichols Damascus, he says to "draw" it for 2 hrs at 375 degrees. Is drawing tempering? meaning just leave it in the oven for that time and temperature?

Sorry, I am very new at heat treating and really appreciate the help. Thanks

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Leave it in the foil wrap. When you fold the foil, make sure no folds cover the blade. Place the packet in the plates and clamp down. No need to rush, as you have many minutes to get the blade into the plates.

Draw, is an older term for tempering. It refers to "drawing the temper colors" , which was a process done in older blacksmith and blade shops. You heated the spine and watched the colors move down the blade side. When the right colors were at the edge, you cooled the blade off and were done. If it was still a bit chippy, you "drew down" the temper colors again to a little lower and darker color. Today, we still say "draw the temper down" and similar phrases when talking about oven HT.

A few old smiths wills ay that the term refers to the heat being able to "Draw" the hardness out of the quenched blade. While that sounds reasonable, I don't think this is anything but a folks explanation.

 

[Pittknife]

Leave it in the foil wrap. When you fold the foil, make sure no folds cover the blade. Place the packet in the plates and clamp down. No need to rush, as you have many minutes to get the blade into the plates.

Draw, is an older term for tempering. It refers to "drawing the temper colors" , which was a process done in older blacksmith and blade shops. You heated the spine and watched the colors move down the blade side. When the right colors were at the edge, you cooled the blade off and were done. If it was still a bit chippy, you "drew down" the temper colors again to a little lower and darker color. Today, we still say "draw the temper down" and similar phrases when talking about oven HT.

A few old smiths wills ay that the term refers to the heat being able to "Draw" the hardness out of the quenched blade. While that sounds reasonable, I don't think this is anything but a folks explanation.

Hi Stacey,

Once again you are a lifesaver. The knowledge you have is beyond impressive and I really thank you for answering my questions and sharing!