HT question

[WaltE99]

In reading through the forum posts here and watching YouTube videos, I have come to understand that some people HT after profiling and initial grinding (seems to be the most prevalent) and others HT after profiling but prior to any further grinding. Two questions:

1. Can anyone provide some pros and cons on pre- and post- grinding HT?

2. When HT is after grinding, how much material should be left at the edge to protect against warpage or other problems?

Thanks,
Walt Edwards

 

[malditor]

From my research the main thing to be careful of if you heat treat before grinding is making sure you cool the steel constantly so that it doesn't heat up enough to ruin the heat treat. If you grind before HT the steel should be softer and easier to work with also. I am not sure, however, exactly how much steel should be left at the edge if you grind first.

 

[WaltE99]

From my research the main thing to be careful of if you heat treat before grinding is making sure you cool the steel constantly so that it doesn't heat up enough to ruin the heat treat. If you grind before HT the steel should be softer and easier to work with also. I am not sure, however, exactly how much steel should be left at the edge if you grind first.

Thanks. To your point, it seems like grinding before HT would help belts last longer.

 

[Lieblad]

........

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Grinding pre-HT is faster and there is no issue with heating the steel. I often get the steel to glow red when hogging bevels. This is of the most advantage in larger and thicker blades. Belts last longer.

Grinding post HT is for thin blades. It helps prevent warp. It is harder on belts but usually the amount of steel removed is smaller. Constant cooling in water is required, and a wet belt system is preferred.

For pre-HT edges, about .030" is a good average on carbon steel, and .010-.015" for stainless.

 

[WaltE99]

Grinding pre-HT is faster and there is no issue with heating the steel. I often get the steel to glow red when hogging bevels. This is of the most advantage in larger and thicker blades. Belts last longer.

Grinding post HT is for thin blades. It helps prevent warp. It is harder on belts but usually the amount of steel removed is smaller. Constant cooling in water is required, and a wet belt system is preferred.

For pre-HT edges, about .030" is a good average on carbon steel, and .010-.015" for stainless.

Thanks. I'm starting with 1/8" 1084 at your suggestion. That would not be considered as thin, correct? So better to grind pre-HT?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

With 1084, do all the basic work pre-HT and take all surfaces to 400 grit before HT. Leave the edge .030" thick.

 

[WaltE99]

Thank you!