How much quench oil??

[J. Doyle]

How much quench oil should a guy have in his tank to quench a blade?

Let's say I want to quench 4" blade hunters and smaller. Is 1 gallon sufficient? And how many blades can 1 gallon quench before the oil should be replaced?

 

[G. Shahan]

John,

I use about three gallons in my tank,(it's just a big pot). I'm using Park 50.
Been using that same three gallons for about a year or so, it still works and is almost as clear as when I started with it.
I may have done twenty five or thirty blades with it. I'm not sure how long it should last but at my production rate it should go quite a while.
Maybe one of these guys who do a lot of knives will enlighten us both.

Greg

P.S. I have used a gallon in the past and it worked just fine. You will be limited to just a couple of blades before your oil gets to hot.

Greg

 

[SBuzek]

John
1 gallon is ok for doing a couple of blades at a time.The only problem I had was even wih a 4" bladed knife you don't have much room to agitate the blade. I got a 5 gallon pail from McMaster-Carr and put about 4 gallons in a large pot,works alot better.
The oil will hold up for a few years if kept covered unless you are quenching a bunch of blades.
Stan

 

[J. Doyle]

Thanks guys. I have two gallons of oil and a roasting pan with lid big enough. I'll just play it safe and put both gallons in. I will only be doing a few blades at a time anyhow.

Now about the agitating, you mean front to back, right? But not taking it out of the oil.

I was taught to put the knife in and keep it still but lots of you good makers recommend agitation.

I know that side to side is a big 'DONT'.

Thanks again.

 

[silver_pilate]

Agitation disrupts the vapor jacket that forms as you dunk a glowing hot piece of metal into oil. Now given, formulated oils have additives to reduce the amount and duration of the vapor jacket, but tip-butt or spine to edge agitation will disrupt any jacket that does form.

A vapor jacket displaces the oil from direct contact with your blade, and thus insulates the blade and slows the quench speed.

--nathan

 

[J. Doyle]

Agitation disrupts the vapor jacket that forms as you dunk a glowing hot piece of metal into oil. Now given, formulated oils have additives to reduce the amount and duration of the vapor jacket, but tip-butt or spine to edge agitation will disrupt any jacket that does form.

A vapor jacket displaces the oil from direct contact with your blade, and thus insulates the blade and slows the quench speed.

--nathan

AH. I see. That makes sense. Thanks for explaining.:thumbup: