Help with heat-resistant Metal

WinDancer

WinDancer

Joined
May 15, 1999
Messages
720
I think knifemakers know at least as much about steel as anyone on the planet. This is not knife related, but sure is a steel question I need help with.

Thanks for whatever help you can lend.

Our pellet stove has a small pellet fire box made from steel: it is actually a small rectangle [4" x 2"]with a bottom made from round rods. This allows air to flow up from the bottom for good combustion. The heat here is unbelievably HOT.

The factory rods keep burning through [every couple of years] and the factory wants right around $80 for a new box.

Can I replace [weld] the steel rods with another kind of steel that won't burn up? Or shoulf I just live with replacing the whole box every time?

Dave Evans
 
if i read this right, you have to buy a new $80 box every so often....putting something that wont cook off is a toss up as far as the money goes...every few years is a long time, how about some stainless rods coated with some trick ceramic...im sure theyre out there.

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http://www.mayoknives.com




[This message has been edited by tom mayo (edited 02-21-2000).]
 
You might try some High Speed Steel drill rod. I get some occasionally from a cutting tool distributor here in Wichita. High Speed steel (M2, M4, M10, M42 etc.)are all designed to withstand heat up to around 2000 F. Nothing lasts forever, but that might extend your time some.

Hope this helps,
Gary B www.toptexknives.com/bradburn.htm
 
Dude,
What you NEED is some iconel rods. It's the same stuff they make burners on electric stoves out of, and the big heat treat guys use boxes made of it. You might give Paul Bos or Rob Simonich a call and see if they can hook you up with a source. It ain't cheap though
frown.gif

James

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Those who are willing to trade freedom for security deserve neither, and in the end, seldom retain them!
 
How strong does it need to be? I wonder if you could drill out the sides of the box and slide ceramic rods in. If the holes were a close enough fit, you shouldn't have to worry about pellets coming through the sides, and I'm guessing the box doesn't have to be sealed since you said the rods are to let air in.

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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
Dave, that's what I like about this forum.

You are right about it not containing knife content but it's a good steel/fire question. Only place on BladeForums.com you will get some good responses.

I'd go for the Inconel.

 
Ceramic works for the space shuttle and a host of other very high temp applications. A completely off the wall suggestion might be a layer of fine gravel or chunks of fire brick on top of your rods.

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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
 
Let's look at the problem for a second... Scaling is what makes the rods wear out. How do we prevent scaling in the forge or oven? I coat my workpiece with flux, but I don't see that as a viable long-term solution, but some use a stainless foil to coat their blades. Rob Simonich could tell you more about it.
Personally, I'd drill holes in the sides and slip rebar in to replace the rods, and keep a good supply of rebar, if it's the right size. There's also the high-temp paints they use on ovens, I'm sure a couple of coats of those would solve your problem.
Hope this helps.

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Oz

"Violence never settles anything."
Genghis Khan 1162-1227

Check out my egostistical homepage!
http://www.freespeech.org/oz/
 
Thanks, Guys!

As always, you have started me off in my search. I think I will try drilling the box (which is only about 2 inches by 4 inches, with 1/4 inch rods)and using ceramic rods.

Even if I have to replace the rods, it will eliminate replacing the whole box. Seems like a stupid design for a fire box!

Anyway, Thanks Again!

Dave Evans
 
Buy some cheap ceramic sharpening rods at a flea market and they will last a long long time!

Other than that, Inconel as Kit says, and I dont have a clue where to get it!. Good luck, and good thread!

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www.simonichknives.com
 
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