Heat Treating 1084 without a furnace?

N

Nic.

Joined
Dec 8, 2014
Messages
814
Hey guys! So I'm making my first knife with 1084....my issue is I don't have a furnace or means to build one right now. So if I can't find someone who will let me use theirs...how can I heat treat without knowing how hot it is? I probably sound like a total newb, but I figured I'd ask.
 
1084 is the easiest steel out of them all to heat treat well. All you need to do is get it to 1500F and quench in a medium speed oil. 130F canola works very well. To get it to 1500F without having a digital readout telling you what temp it is, use the magnet. Heat the steel up. Once it turns a deep red color, check the magnet against it. If the magnet still sticks....it needs more heat. The magnet will stop sticking at around 1414F, but we still need another 85 degrees hotter. So you need to notice the color when the magnet stops sticking, then go a shade or two more, in order to reach 1500F. Also, salt melts at 1475F I think. But the magnet trick works very well. Just remember, once the magnet stops sticking...you still need another 85 degrees or so before it is hot enough. No need to soak with 1084. Once it is at 1500F, quench.
 
Sandeggo said:
A couple of fire bricks, a mapp torch from Home Depot and a magnet will get you there
Click to expand...

This. I went to Menards paid $10 for a 6 pack of fire bricks. Built myself a small forge. About 10" deep, 2" wide, 2" tall. Perfect. I use my Bernzomatic torch with propane and a small magnet.

I also use a crockpot with canola oil. I heat it up and check the temp with a candy thermometer. Since its still a little cold outside I heat it to about 150. So by the time the blade is ready to be quenched its down to around 130-135....
 
Thanks guys! I've been using the magnet trick for all my other knives, I just wasn't sure if it would work for 1084. I have a map torch, so next I'll get the fire brick. Thanks so much guys!
 
Nic. said:
Thanks guys! I've been using the magnet trick for all my other knives, I just wasn't sure if it would work for 1084.
Click to expand...

Out of all the steel types you could choose from, 1084 would be the best suited for an open forge and a magnet.
 
Rick Marchand said:
Out of all the steel types you could choose from, 1084 would be the best suited for an open forge and a magnet.
Click to expand...

1084 is all I use currently for this reason.... I wish there was another steel out there easily heat treatable at home.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top