Building An Oven, Searching For Stainless Info

[colu41]

So I am currently in the middle of building a digital heat treat oven. Will be capable of temps up to 2500*F. Now, I really want to start getting into some stainless. But my question is, does all stainless need to be foil wrapped? Plate quenched? And how does air quenching work?

I just dont know about the foil wrap ordeal, and then after heating it up you need to take it out and unwrap it from the foil quickly? That sounds kind of dangerous. lol. Any tips, suggestions would be awesome.

 

[butcher_block]

all will need foiled some might need high temp foil
i think all of them can be air quenched but some show improvments by oil (slow speed oil) many of us plate quench for 2 reasons one is speed closer to what the oil woudl be but also cause it can help keep blanks straight (also no need to take out of the foil for plate quench
but get ready to start reading data sheets and looking for ht that works for your setup (plan on at least dry ice but i liek LN for full on cryo )

 

[colu41]

I will most likely plate quench as to me seems like the way most do it, and it seems easier to keep it in the foil. And do all stainless require cryo? I never even thought of that.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Cryo ( -300°F) or at least sub-zero treatment ( -100°F) are needed for all high alloy steels, which includes stainless. It is necessary because the Mf is nearly 200° below room temperature.

Good sources for HT and steel info are:
The data sheets from the steel suppliers
Alpha Knife supply's data link with the HT info on most all knife steels - http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/zdata-bladesteel.htm
The ASM-Heat Treater's Guide.