Low Temp Salt For Quenching--help

[B . Buxton]

I'm wanting to do some experimenting with low temperture(500-600 degrees) quenching salts but have no idea what I need. Could someone tell me what salts are needed for this application and where I might be able to obtain them? Also do you need stainless steel pipe for the lower temperture salts? If so, does anyone know where I might obtain a piece of that 12"-18" long? Also what size pipe is usually used for this application?

Thank you,

Bill

 

[Bruce Bump]

Bill the Nitre Blue salts from Brownells work good for low temp salts and also can be used to blue blades and fittings. That is the temp they were made for. Holding the temp constant is the hardest part of the process. I use a propane cook stove and a pyrometer.

The directions say to not use stainless but I think most people do use it for the tank with good results. I went by the instructions and use mild steel.

 

[B . Buxton]

Thanks Bruce, Now can you tell me where I can find info on the transformation to bainite. I know I've read it on here in the past but I'll be darned if I can find it again. I was also curious if the bluing would cause a problem with steel discoloration with the long holding times to create bainite, or will it still just be a surface treatment after a long soak time.

Thanks ,

Bill

 

[Laredo7mm]

Bill, what kind of steel(s) are you using? I can see if i have the TTT curves for them which should give you the Ms temp and how long it takes for Bainite transformation.

For 1095 Ms is around 400° so you would want to hold just above that temp for 10 hours or so. Don't quote me on those numbers though, that is from memory and we all know how that goes.