Ht questions for small ss tools

panch0

panch0

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Jun 16, 2008
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I have a few pieces of stainless that I will probable make some sort of little key chain tools with a screwdriver, bottle opener, and small 1" cutting edge. My question is the hardness one of these would need. would 60 rc be good or maybe a 57-58 rc would be better? Also would these really need a cryo treatment? These tools will be no longer than 3" long 3/4 high. Thanks!
 
I cant comment on it much because I have not actually worked with stainless yet, but have done a LOT of research and decided 154cm/ATS-34(they are virtually identical) is what I will be using, reading crucible's recommendations HERE, they reccomend a dry ice treatment between tempers to help transform retained austenite, you can get dry ice from some grocery stores and I have heard that walmart carries it,.

That is all I can offer, Im sure someone with a LOT more knowledge will show up and make me look stoopad :p
 
Thanks for the info frossbyte. I was wondering if 60rc would be too hard for the bottle opening or the screw driver tip. Maybe an rc of 57-58 might be a good compromise betwwen edge retension and the stength of the tools. Or am I just a worry wort?
 
What kind of Stainless Panco. 60 would probably be too hard and prone to chipping on a screwdriver tip.I would go with 55-57 and temper on the high side to get better wear resistance.
Stan
 
The ones I am making right now are ats34 and I will probably make some out of 1080 while I learn to heat treat.
 
On the ats 34 temper at 550-575 for 2 hours twice.Should give you 56-57Rc
Stan
 
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