AEB-L help

[Ken H>]

Quench plates are usually in the 1" thick plate, perhaps 3" wide, and 12" or longer. All depending on size of blade to be quenched. Total blade including tang should be contained inside the plates.

This is a typical set of quench plates. http://usaknifemaker.com/quench-plates-pair-aluminum-1-x4-x12.html

I just ordered some 1"X4"X12" bar stock from a metal supply place.

 

[slong0928]

Ok thanks for the clarification, how long do quench plates usually last, being aluminum i would think that it would melt the area touching the steel

 

[JTknives]

Nope thy don't melt. Thy cool steel so fast that localized heating is not a problem.

 

[Busto]

Thick aluminum...3/4" minimum or more. The thicker the better to dissipate heat rapidly the use of forced air between the plates is also helpful.

 

[slong0928]

2 things, 1 does it make any difference what type of aluminum the plates are made of, and 2 do the plates wear out at all or will the be a one set of plates will last for a good long while?

 

[Ken H>]

Just most any aluminum will work just fine, heck - even steel will "work". Any of it's going to last a lifetime for quench plates.

Ken H>

 

[slong0928]

OK, that's what I figured, but the price of those quench plates in the link is pretty stout

 

[Ken H>]

Industrial Metals is a good source of metal. Here's a 1"X4"X12" bar for $17.50 or so - that's $35 (plus shipping) for a set of quench plates. Save a few bucks by using 1"X3" plate which is what I use. https://goo.gl/Lxo5dU you might check your local scrape yards for an even better price.

 

[slong0928]

Well with the shop I work for has an aluminum supplier that I will go through, easier for me to get them, the only thing is should I surface grind them or will they work as is

 

[HSC ///]

for those who do a sub zero treatment, what kind of container do you use?
thanks