annealing D-2

S

Scott Fulford

Joined
Feb 16, 2002
Messages
91
Howdy guys,
A pal has tasked me with completing a blade he started,it is a big bowie, he has made a blank out of an old planer blade and I`m assuming it is D-2(it is ink-stamped "TTT FINLAND").
I only have a simple gas forge and I was wondering if there was a way to use it to anneal the blank so I can get to work on it or should I send it out to someone who has better equip.?
Thanks,
Scott
 
There was another similar posting recently but the answer is the same .It's not good to assume but you could do a simple rusting test which would tell you if it's D2.If it rusts then it could be many things such as M2.Heat to 1600-1650F and slow cool in ashes and see if it's soft enough or you could leave it in the forge to cool after shutting off the gas.
 
Yeah,I know I shouldnt assume but I really think it`s D-2,it has been sitting in my van for 2 months now with no oil on it or anything and it shows no signs of rust.I think I`ll run it up to non-magnetic and let it sit in the forge to cool and try to drill the tang,if that works I guess I`ll proceed with grinding.
Thanks.
Scott
 
D2 is one of those steels like L6 that are a real bear to anneal. It needs to be cooled much slower than a lot of other steels. If you fail with the slow forge-cool, and decide to try ashes, load up the ashes with heated scrap metal and stuff the blank in amongst it. You can even go so far as to sandwich the D2 between other pieces and then heat-and-bury. There is no doubt that a programmed furnace cycle would be preferable.
 
According to the technical information provided by carpenter steel the anneal for d-2 is as follows. Heat to 1550f-1600f ten cool at a maximum rate of 20f per hour until is is black (about 800F). this would take 37-40 hours.
Del
 
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