Mill bastard q's

Mill bastard files are usually w1 or w2 steel and run mid 60s RC hardness. Keep in mind there are a lot of cheap import type files that are merely surface hardened and would not be hardened all the way through.
 
The question is clear.

rough answer :
Water hardening tool steels “W”
Carbon content ~ 1.35% to 1.4%
Hardness ~ 65 or 66 HRC
 
Wowbagger said:
The question is clear.

rough answer :
Water hardening tool steels “W”
Carbon content ~ 1.35% to 1.4%
Hardness ~ 65 or 66 HRC
Click to expand...

Or, it might be:
Bill Siegle said:
Mill bastard files are usually w1 or w2 steel and run mid 60s RC hardness. Keep in mind there are a lot of cheap import type files that are merely surface hardened and would not be hardened all the way through.
Click to expand...

So asking about a type of file, rather than a brand and type is not so clear. There are a lot of newer metallurgical processes that have become common in the last 30 years that can transform low carbon steels without affecting the base metal.

And, there are more steels in use throughout the world than what was common when US companies produced the files we used. Even if a Chinese or Indian company was making files with a comparably hard steel to W2, what if it is now a medium quench speed steel? W2 heat treat isn't going to work well for something that is more like a higher carbon O1.
 
Whatever mill bastard file you go with, make sure it's Made in USA!
I buy Nicholsons from my local Tractor Supply Co. Good, durable files.
 
link2derek said:
Whatever mill bastard file you go with, make sure it's Made in USA!
I buy Nicholsons from my local Tractor Supply Co. Good, durable files.
Click to expand...

You gotta go with old ones, because Nicholson's are now made in Mexico ( simons is another great brand of old files to look out for )
 
^^^True this. I've noticed the new Nicholson files are substantially softer (they lose their cutting ability a lot faster) than those produced even 10 years ago. A real shame. :mad:
 
^^^ That's too bad. I bought my Nicholsons some years ago when they were made in the USA. I've got two that just keep on working - one for my axes; one for everything else. If I even need to replace them, I guess I'll have to pick them up at a farm auction or antique store.

I'm going to check my local TSC and see if they say Mexico...:grumpy:
 
Nicholson (the ones made in Mexico at least) are W1. Not sure of the exact hardness but I would assume in the 60s.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top