Looking for pics of Plate Quenching Setup

Patrice Lemée

Patrice Lemée

Joined
Aug 13, 2002
Messages
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Will try my hand at CPM154 with a new kiln this autumn so from what I read I will need to make one of those.
I know it is not very complicated but any pics would still be greatly appreciated.
If it's worth building it's worth overbuilding or something to that effect. ;)
 
Patrice
Mine is simple I have 2-1=1/2" X 12" X 12" aluminium plates.I put a handle on one and ust set it on top of the other,It's enough weight to do the trick.
Stan
 
Similar here. Mine is 6"x18"x1" thick Aluminum. Still waiting to put the handles on mine. One trick Dave and I decided, on the top plate with handles, fine threaded bolts in each corner through the plate, about 1 1/2" long. We had an issue with the plates wobbling, trying to keep them flat. We decided that leveling screws would help, especially with flat grinds where there is little flat surface to the plates. Another thought was a bit of same thickness material as the blade in each corner to keep the plates level. Certainly easier, but not as fancy or pretty.
 
I have my plates mounted to the jaws of a woodworking vise mounted vertical. It has the quick release lever so I can drop the top plate real quick after I toss the blade in. We're talking like fraction of a second. I do not let it slam down, I control it holding the tightening bar like a t handle and hit the quick release with the thumb. I have it mounted to a sawhorse of sorts right next to the kiln. I will post pics in a few min when I can get on my other computer, people are still asleep!!
 
Here is what I did. I went to Harbor Frieght a bought a quick release wood working vice. And attached the two alum plates to it and used flat head screws to adj the plates to lay flat. And to provide a space between plates and cast iron vice for better cooling of the plates. I set the knives still in the HT envelope on edge on the bottom plate and then lay it flat and then with the quick release drop the top plate down and then tighten the vice down on the knife for a good solid contact on the knife. And in two minutes you can remove the knife and cut the envelope and remove the knife. And it works good.
PS: don't let it slam down like gixxer said.
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BINGO!!!!! like the action pic? Notice the compressed air hose right there so I can get it quick.

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i just have mine sittin in my HF 12 ton press that way i can put the blade on the bottom plate and then slide the top on and clamp down nice
 
Thanks for all the info everyone.
I was thinking about air cooled plates but I guess from seeing how you folks do it that it is not really needed is it?
 
I tried the vice thing, but was'nt happy with it as even when shimmed i got unever pressure, but i may try the screw thing. look's like it would be a good way to even things out!
 
air cooled plates would not be a bad idea. They get pretty warm I put a cold alum plate in it after the 2nd blade, and I only do 5 blades at a time.
 
Ok so from what I understand perfect uniform contact is not that big a deal since every part will still cool fast enough, faster than air cooled for sure. Right?
 
Patrice, yes, that is my understanding as well. Also, a word about heat. There really isn't that much there once the heat transfers from the steel to the aluminum. It your doing a big Bowie it might get a little warm, but 6oz of steel at 2000° just doesn't store enough heat to warm up 50lbs of aluminum at 76°. It should only raise both plates to about 90°.
 
Yes, but if the plates do not evenly contact the blade from every angle you risk warping the steel. you want those plates to contact evenly.
 
I did not think about that Bali, thanks. I also did not realize that I needed 25lbs plates. I kept seeing the size people use but in my head it did not seem that big.

What would I do without you guys. :)
 
air cooled? seems like if the plates getting hot is an issue you could just put a wet towel over & under the plates. but I never plate quenched before so I am probably in the dark here.
 
Patrice Lemée;8426720 said:
I did not think about that Bali, thanks. I also did not realize that I needed 25lbs plates. I kept seeing the size people use but in my head it did not seem that big.

What would I do without you guys. :)
Click to expand...

There's no way any of the setups pictured contain 25 pounds of aluminum.
 
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