Little tempering advice Please

R

RobertHankins

Joined
Jun 10, 2001
Messages
1,385
As usual I am always trying something new in the shop.
Going to make some throwers hopefully with a little style to them;)

Looked on Admirals and the Master knife making index No Luck. Need specs for drawing 3/16" 5160 back to 45-50 Rc, Help is appreciated!
 
Im guessing but I say 600-650 F Maybe someone has some real facts? I spring temper my pistol hammer springs in melted lead. It is a pretty bright purple. One thing for sure you will not break your throwing knives.
 
From Machinery's handbook, tempering at 800 gets you around C49. Doesn't mention how of a soak though.
 
I agree with Bruce on the temp. With 5160 I think you would really have alot of leeway since it is probably tough enough at knife hardness.
 
I would guess that you guys are right in the ballpark. Sometimes the books specs are for thick stock like 1" and are a guideline. I will have to experiment a little I guess.

I just want it tough and springy.
I got an Email from a Blacksmith telling me to harden it, tripple temper and at the end of the Tempering soak (While still at temp) dunk it in a bucket of water:confused:
His logic was that it toughens the steel.
Any thoughts...
 
Yes, quenching in water while at 475-500 deg can
crack the cutting edge, been there done that. I get
a very tough flexable blade using a cook stove oven
at max temp about 500 deg for 2 hr and remove and
leave in the air to cool do it 3 times. Gib
 
Gib,
I wonder what the difference would be between letting the Blade cool down in the air at tempering temp and letting it cool down in the oven??? I also use a toaster oven for my Tempering, but let mine cool in the oven...

Always great to hear from the other makers.
It is the best way to learn for sure.
 
I do that sometimes just shut the oven off. it is
the fast quench that gets you into trouble, you here
a "PING" and you know what happened. Gib
 
I just open the door on the oven and let her cool down until I can pick it up. I wouldnt quench it in anything. Im a firm believer in triple tempers although it may not be needed it doesnt hurt anything.
 
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