Finally experimental steel has come...

galadduin

galadduin

Joined
Dec 25, 2004
Messages
1,363
For weeks I was trying to get some SS steel from nearby suppliers. Found these scraps from the production line. 5mm thick, different sizes RN15X. I plan to forge some as these has not enough length (max 17 cm, 6.7"). My main purpose is to make some diving knives from these. At least 21 cm - 8.5" lenght designs I made. I'll post the in progress pics to the forum...
2luz1xs.jpg
 
Sweet! I went lookin for what kind of steel that is and found the whole heat treat sheet! so I thought I'd share it with you incase you didnt have it.
here it is :D
 
thank you,

As you see, it is tough to HT properly. There is some similarity to D2 but 1100 degrees C (2012 F) soak temp and 550 C (1022F) temper will be my HT records high. Also the forging wont be forgiving as far as I see. Wish me luck.. Though this stock only cost me $30 :D i'm nervous obut this lot...
 
Have you considered stock removal, leaving a stub tang, and welding a piece of mild steel on to lengthen the tang?
You will find this high alloy steel difficult to forge, very slow under the hammer and with a drastically reduced temperature window. It will be easy to create cracks from forging at temps plain steels will tolerate.
You must also be wary of the forging vapors, as niobium will be toxic like vanadium. If you elect to forge, do it with adequate ventilation and a fan at your back.
Think your way through this carefully. Good luck.
 
I thought of stick tang also, I'll make one by stock removal one by forging. I'm not sure what will be the proper forging temps but I guess it is between 1050 C and 1130 C to be sure. I'll just lengthen the tang and tip area, distal tapering namely. It'll take only 1 or two heats to draw and one or 2 for remove hammer marks. May be I have to multiply the heats by 2 or three if this steel is very stubborn (I guess it'll be).

I use a quality full mask with disposable filter cartridges when forging and by the grinder. Also my forge is outside, just a roof above. The toxic fumes wont be a great problem I hope.

Thank you very much for your concern. I guess the most important mission of this forum is to warn novices (like me) about the dangers of this trade. I've bought this mask two or three years ago when I read a thread in this forum about the respiratory dangers of grinding high alloy steels. May be that thread saved many lives like myself...
 
galadduin said:
I use a quality full mask with disposable filter cartridges when forging and by the grinder. Also my forge is outside, just a roof above. The toxic fumes wont be a great problem I hope.

Thank you very much or your concern.
Click to expand...


You're welcome.

A respirator as you descibe will be adequate protection. I used the wrong word before. Forging will create fumes and not vapors. Fumes are particulate and can be captured on the appropriate filters.

Good luck. Forging stainless is an interesting experience.
 
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