cutting sawblades with plasma arc to make sawblades

[duane roy]

I recently cut some knife blanks from an old 10" saw blade with a Plasma Arc. Does anyone know if this actually changes the integrity of tempered/hardened steel? The Plasma hardly heats the metal at all, you can basically touch the steel right after cutting it. Any info would be appreciated.

[This message has been edited by duane roy (edited 01 June 1999).]

 

[C L Wilkins]

I once had a Cruwear blade cut out with a plasman torch. It was just a little "crispy" around the outer edges, I just ground it off. It really doesn't get the metal THAT hot and I noticed no difference in working it. Cruwear will tend to work harden if you aren't too careful. As far as L6 goes, I really wouldn't worry about it too much. Just cut it a bit oversize and grind off the edges.
Now, if you aren't going to heat treat this afterwards, that may be entirely different, I just re-read your post. It MAY make a difference if it gets "too" hot. Think about when silver soldering a guard......care must be taken.

CLWilkins

[This message has been edited by C L Wilkins (edited 01 June 1999).]

 

[DK]

I've made several blades out metal-cutting
saw blades.Mostly L6 and M2,I use an air-
powered die-grinder with a 3"adbrasive wheel.
I cut about half way through with light
passes to keep cool then break off the
excess.Never had any trouble my edge-retention. DK

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Pretty nice,huh?