(assuming primary temper is minimum 400 F for recommended time in temper)
Suppose upon first temper the steel is harder than I wish. Is it just as well to up the temperature and re-temper until desired hardness is acheived or is it better to repeat the heat treat?
It is something I have wondered about for some time now and I encounter this situation occassionally - where I have to temper the second time at a higher temperature than the primary temper.
I suppose what I am asking is: it it better for the life of the tool if the primary temper correctly hits the desired hardness or does it work out just as well if we have to increase the temper until the aim hardness is acheived.
Thanks.
RL
Suppose upon first temper the steel is harder than I wish. Is it just as well to up the temperature and re-temper until desired hardness is acheived or is it better to repeat the heat treat?
It is something I have wondered about for some time now and I encounter this situation occassionally - where I have to temper the second time at a higher temperature than the primary temper.
I suppose what I am asking is: it it better for the life of the tool if the primary temper correctly hits the desired hardness or does it work out just as well if we have to increase the temper until the aim hardness is acheived.
Thanks.
RL