nichlson file

I assume a blade from the file? Normalize X 3. Heat to about 1500°, or 2 shades of red beyond non-magnetic, quench in a fast oil that has been heated to around 130°. Parks #50 oil, or similar, or canola if you have nothing better. If you get warpage, hand straighten while still too hot to hold with bare hands.
 
You're welcome. I forgot to mention temper from 425°, to 450° in your kitchen range using an oven thermometer to be sure of your heat. Temper 2 hrs, let cool then repeat.
 
LRB said:
hand straighten while still too hot to hold with bare hands.
Click to expand...

Ah that sounds painfull.

Seriosuly though if its cool enough to not burn chances are it will break if you try to straighten it out. Ive ben told you have five minutes before the steel fully transforms into martensite. Im not sure how true this is on blades and thickness probably plays a huge role in it but ive snapped blades trying to get out warping within 2 minutes of the quench. It can be done, you just gotta be fast!

Jamie
 
If it warps re heat to a dull red then squish in a vice, then re heat treat... it will forgive you. just re normalize then quench. nicholson files are 1095/W1 steel so my advice is this put a line of table salt on the middle of the blade. when it starts melting fast your at 1475º - 1500ºF perfect quench temp for this steel :D that weay there is no guessing at colors. for goodness sakes do yourself a favor. buy proper quench oil. 15-20 bucks for fast oil from mcmaster car is well worth it. take it from me, and ditch the canola oil, it will only make an inferior blade. testing will prove this. have fun and post pics man! :D

Jason
 
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