How to anneal 410 SS?

[Tom Lewis]

I have been making San Mai blades with 410 SS on the outside with 1095 on the inside. The 410 SS is in the annealed state when I put the billet together. I cut the 410 SS on a metal bandsaw and it is easy to cut. But after forging the 410 SS and 1095 together the 410 SS is really hard. A regular drill won't touch it. I end up drilling with a carbide end mill on my milling machine.
After forging the 410 and 1095 together I heat to a cherry red and put in vermiculate so it cools slowly.
But this does not anneal the 410SS.
So, any suggestions as to how I can anneal the billet once it is made.

 

[DevinT]

Some things that might help:

Lower the forge welding temperature.

Use nickel shim between layers to slow down carbon diffusion.

Use an electric furnace to normalize, soak for 20 minutes at 1450’f. Air cool.

Sub-critical anneal at 1350’ for 4 hours wrapped in stainless foil, furnace cool.

Hoss

 

[Tom Lewis]

Thanks, Devin T!