P.B.C. Powder

RLS

RLS

Joined
Jun 3, 2005
Messages
268
Is anyone out there having good luck with this anti scale powder. I cant seem to get good coverage with it. Im heating to 500 and sprinkling it on the blades it looks like it covers ok ,but after hardining some spots havent covered and im getting pitting or discoloration in the steel.
 
You really need to preheat the blade to just under 600 for it to stick well. I usually use two coats and give it a light roasting in front of the forge before HT.

I don't use it anymore now that I have fiqured out how to avoid pitting during HT. If it does not cover completely you have made more problems for yourself.
 
Heat to 600 and try to put multiple coats. It helps but still occasionally you'll have pitting spots. This powder stick better coarser grit grind which kind of defeat the purpose of it.

I am not sure I like this powder too much.
 
I heat my blades to 600o, let them soak a bit, then apply. My concern is decarb. Pitting is not a concern with the style I work in. I keep a propane torch running when I apply the powder, and try to keep the blade heated from the spine. I only cover about a third of the blade, and make sure I have good coverage on the edge. The propane torch seems to do a fair job of breaking down the bubbles also, when directed on them, but also causes them to crust, although that has not caused any problems regarding coverage. I apply the powder until I am satisfied that I have good coverage.
 
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