BG42 Heat treat info ?

[JBS TOOLMAKER]

I want to try some BG42. I have read all the charts but I would like to hear from some guys who have worked wiyh it. Does it have to be oil quenched ?
Can it be plate quenched ? Air quenched ? If using plate or air quench how many rockwell points would you lose ? I know cryo will reduce RA, but it also gets tempered at 950. Would the high tempering tempurature reduce RA ?
Any answers,tips good and bad experiances would be highly appreciated.
Thanks
Jason B Stout

 

[RJ Martin]

Jason: Austenitize at 2070F, soak 30-35 minutes at temperature. Press quench, leaving blade(s) in foil pack. LN2 soak for 6-12 hours, temper @ 975 for 2 hours, 2 X.

The 2070F temperature and soak time were recommended to me by a Latrobe Metallurgist, based on HT'ing in a foil pack.

You will not lose anything by plate quenching, provided you have good technique and leave the blades in the pack.

Have done many blades with this exact cycle. It's good.

Stay Sharp,

RJ Martin

 

[Bruce Bump]

I cant even find BG42 anymore. Its was my steel of choice for years. Is it available again?

 

[JBS TOOLMAKER]

Thanks RJ the quench thing was my biggest issue. I don't want to lose any RC. points. Bruce, The only place I have found it is Jantz supply. They carry it in 5/32" x 1 1/2" $100.00 for 36" surely it can be found cheaper.