Heat Treat oven accessories?

W

Wapiti

Joined
Sep 25, 1999
Messages
494
I am gathering suggestions for accessories I should consider now and in the future, as I get closer to purchasing a heat treat oven.
I think I have narrowed it down the Evenheat KF18 with Rampmaster controller in 240v. I like the Paragon, especially because of the solid build, but the larger chamber on the Evenheat seems like a bonus for the price.
I currently only work with simple carbon steels (01, 1095, 15n20 type, etc.)

I have read of recommendations for the Harbor Freight rolling cart, but just wanted to solicit any other recommendations from those who already have/use an oven.
I would appreciate any tricks/tip on heat treating or working with the oven, too.

Thanks,
Brome
 
TIP:
Put your roll of HT foil in a cardboard shipping tube....unless you like bleeding.
 
Good idea; I think I bleed enough as it is.

Your tip raises a question I had: Do I understand it right that I probably won't need the foil much until I start to use some of the higher alloy steels, or is it a handy thing to consider to keep scale down on the simple steels?
 
I have the holder, and like it. It keeps the blades from laying flat to get more uniform heating. Also, a good set of tongs is a must. I just use a set of wolf jaws typically. Gloves for when you go to grab the packet are essential, and I always wear at least safety goggles. You need something to heat your oil in as suggested, and a digital thermometer and something to stir the oil.

When you start working with stainless or air-hardening steels, high quality heat treating SS foil and large aluminum plates (1" thick) will get you where you need to go. If you happen to come across a good deal on a liquid nitrogen dewar, pick it up (if you have an AirGas or someplace similar near by to fill it up). It will come in handy for more complex steels to cryo.

--nathan
 
I like the satinite idea...
How is that blade holder made? I have one I use in my temper/toaster oven made from a piece of channel iron (mild steel) with slots cut in with a chop-saw. Do you think it would work ok in the higher temp heat treat oven?
I should probably invest in some higher end quench oil one of these days, at least to try it out; so far have been using a "goop", or pure canola oil.
I have been using an electric two burner hotplate to warm my quench oil with an adjustable perforated aluminum plate for edge quenching , but that set up would be much better for the occasional steak!
I do have a digital meat thermometer that has served me well, but I do not stir my oil. How important is that, and do you have any suggestions? Could I get away with doing it with a spatula or something like that, or should I get a lab hot plate with a magnetic stirrer built in?
 
Go to Harbour freight and get you a pair of welders pliers, The paddle on them are about 3 inches wide and make folding foil so much easier. I don't like to bleed also and these help to make your folds.
 
Could I get away with doing it with a spatula or something like that, or should I get a lab hot plate with a magnetic stirrer built in?
Click to expand...

I must be a hillbilly, I just use a clean stick!
I would say stirring is rather important, you can have different temperature zones in reference to the heat source, a few stirs now and then evens it up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top