- Joined
- Jun 21, 1999
- Messages
- 752
Hi Everybody! I have been making knives for about 8 months now and have been using 1095 high carbon steel because I can heat treat at home rather than sending it out. I feel that this allows me to learn more, and I like the idea of "doing it all myself".
Being on a rather tight budjet, I am always looking for ways to do things that don't require me to lay out hundreds of dollars for equipment. Well I just got a doozie and I wanted to share it with you.
This is a propane torch that hooks up to your standard "gas grill propane tank". It costs about 20.00 from an outfit called Harbor Freight Tools (Item #36346). Their number is 1-800-444-3353. The ad claimed it will throw out up to 4300 degrees which is plenty for our uses,
It is a simple "wand" with a 21/2'' head at the end. It has a knob on top to adjust gas flow, and a "turbo blast lever" which operates a venturi to adjust how much air you mix with the outcomming propane.
It throws a flame about 4"-8" in diameter and about 6" to 5 feet long (depending on if you've got the turbo lever depressed.
It works great for heat treating if you make a little "kiln" out of fire bricks. I put down two 4" solid cinder blocks for a base, and stack 1 brick on either side (on edge), two on top, and one in back. I had some little ceremic pieces that i wedged inbetween the 4" solids to hold the blade. Then just torch the thing until its hot enough. I use a magnet to check rather than color (thanks to a tip from here...thank you whoever that was). With this torch it didn't take long at all.
IMPORTANT SAFTEY TIP: Don't try this inside (like in your basement).....you'll only do it once! If you're lucky all you'll do is scare the hell out of your self like I did. I have a fire circle out in the yard which works great for it.
I have plans to build myself a "real propane forge" in the comming months, but this contraption will get me by just fine for now. This message is especially targeted to all those frustrated folks (like me) who have been waving an oxy/acetaline torch back and forth over a blade while muttering and cursing as you heat first one spot then another without getting the whole thing hot enough!
Good luck, and happy heating!
Let me know how it goes, or if you have any tips or improvements.
Happycat
Being on a rather tight budjet, I am always looking for ways to do things that don't require me to lay out hundreds of dollars for equipment. Well I just got a doozie and I wanted to share it with you.
This is a propane torch that hooks up to your standard "gas grill propane tank". It costs about 20.00 from an outfit called Harbor Freight Tools (Item #36346). Their number is 1-800-444-3353. The ad claimed it will throw out up to 4300 degrees which is plenty for our uses,
It is a simple "wand" with a 21/2'' head at the end. It has a knob on top to adjust gas flow, and a "turbo blast lever" which operates a venturi to adjust how much air you mix with the outcomming propane.
It throws a flame about 4"-8" in diameter and about 6" to 5 feet long (depending on if you've got the turbo lever depressed.
It works great for heat treating if you make a little "kiln" out of fire bricks. I put down two 4" solid cinder blocks for a base, and stack 1 brick on either side (on edge), two on top, and one in back. I had some little ceremic pieces that i wedged inbetween the 4" solids to hold the blade. Then just torch the thing until its hot enough. I use a magnet to check rather than color (thanks to a tip from here...thank you whoever that was). With this torch it didn't take long at all.
IMPORTANT SAFTEY TIP: Don't try this inside (like in your basement).....you'll only do it once! If you're lucky all you'll do is scare the hell out of your self like I did. I have a fire circle out in the yard which works great for it.
I have plans to build myself a "real propane forge" in the comming months, but this contraption will get me by just fine for now. This message is especially targeted to all those frustrated folks (like me) who have been waving an oxy/acetaline torch back and forth over a blade while muttering and cursing as you heat first one spot then another without getting the whole thing hot enough!
Good luck, and happy heating!
Let me know how it goes, or if you have any tips or improvements.
Happycat
