Dimension changes after heat treatment

[KuKu]

Does heat treating change the shape and or dimensions of a piece of metal?

 

[Jerry Hossom]

Depending on the quality (evenness) of the grind, the shape can change a lot from warpage. Good heat treaters will straighten it out but there will still be a small amount of distortion. The size change is tiny, but there is some. The bottom line is, don't do any fitting until after heat treating and you have everything finish ground and sanded.

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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com

 

[KuKu]

I see, thanks.

 

[Guy Thomas]

I was wondering if heat treating changes the dimensions of rivet holes drilled in fully annealed steel. Seems like it would since you are "freezing" the steel at a different stage than when you drilled the holes, or would the difference be to small to be of much notice?-Guy T.

 

[Jerry Hossom]

I drill my bolster holes in the blade before tempering with the same 1/8" drill bit I use to drill the bolsters later. If there is a difference it is too small to tell.

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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com