Heat treating salts

[Brad Humelsine]

I have finished finished building a new high and low temp heat treating rig.

Now, the problem is finding the salts to fill them. Both Houghton and Heatbath will only sell salts in quanties of 400 pounds. So the the problem becomes what to do with an extra 300 lbs each of high and low temp salts.

I would be willing to either buy salt from another maker who has been in the same spot. If that does not work, I would be willing to order the drums of salt and sell them in small quanties if there is enough interest.

I am open to any all input.

 

[fitzo]

You can use nitre bluing salts from Brownells for low-temp; they sell in smaller quantity.

Many makers with salt pots are using common salt (sodium chloride) and calcium chloride 50:50 that can be obtained locally for far less cost. They may need drying before use, since they pick up water.

check this:

http://www.mstarling.com/The_Craft/Tool_Plans/Salt_Pots/Salt_Pot_Pics/salt_pot_pics.html

 

[cramnhoj]

Could you post how much it'll end up if you divide it? Was looking into salt baths too, but knowing Heatbath sells in large quantities I've only been looking at the alternatives.

 

[NickWheeler]

Brad,

Maybe you've already tried... But I bought my hi and low temp salts from Jeff Carlisle. They're both from Houghton.

I don't have their contact info in front of me, but you can find it with a google search. And Jeff's linked on Don Fogg's site.

Nick

 

[Brad Humelsine]

I Sent an Email to Jeff Carslile, and did not hear back. I will try and call him today.

As for the cost. The cost of the salts and shipping to me is over $1,100.00. If I were to sell off small by the pound quanties, the cost would be around $2.00 to $2.30 a pound, plus shipping. The drawing salt is less expensive then the high temp, so the price would vary a few cents a pound between the two. If I hear of enough interest I will sit down and figure out an exact price.

Just for reference the two products are Houghton Liquid heat 980, and Houghton Draw Temp 275.