Additional Heat Treat Questions

C

cgdavid

Joined
Sep 12, 2005
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I started a 'Quench for 0-1' Thread and got a lot of help. Thanks everyone!

The key point made to me in treating O-1 is gettting it up to above critical and hold/soak it there for about 5 minutes before quenching. The problem I still have is how to do this soak in a propane forge. I can regulate the tempurature manally by making small adjustments to the gas flow but have no idea as to the temperature I'm holding at.

The question...finally....
What can be used to measure the temperature in a propane-venturi- burner forge? Or is the answer simply 'get an electric oven'?

Thanks...Curt
 
There are things like optical pyrometers to measure temperature but it might be much better to put the money into an electric furnace. The more control over temperature and time the better the product !!!
 
You can use a thermocouple and gauge....but...that only gives the temp at that particular spot in the forge. Temps can vary widely from one spot to another.

What mete said :)
 
When I HT in my forge, I get the forge hot, then turn it down as low as I can, put blade in holding it with tongs and watch the color, moving it to get an even heat. I also let the tip stick out the back door as to not over heat. I will hold it at or alittle above critical, then pull it out before it gets too hot and let it cool a bit, I do this 3 or 4 times then quench. Sometime with a small blade, I will get the forge hot then turn it off and HT. I do all this with the shop lights turned off. With that said an electric oven is the best way to go.
 
Thanks....

Guess I knew in the back of my mind that an elecric oven is the best way to go. The method Sunfishman described might be something to look at as a good alternative until an overwhelming desire to spend more money takes over...

If you don't mind (knowing I'm not serious about buying an oven right away) what oven do you guys recommend? Keep in mind that this is what I'd call a seriously growing hobby and that I'll most likely never try to make a living at this. BTW, the longest blade made so far is about 18" oal on a short machette-like camp knife.

Thanks again...Curt
 
Grainger sells a digital thermometer guage w/ wire thermocouple by EXTECH good to 2000 degrees for 90 bucks. I just picked one up and its surprising just how hot i was running my forge before! They also sell a dual input for $120.00 you can run 2 thermocouples at a time 1 in front of forge 1 in rear. This definately helped my heat treat.
 
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