prolonged heating

[rhrocker]

Mete, or Kevin, or Mike, or Dan, or someone in the know: How would a prolonged heat affect a blade? For example, if I set my furnace (electric) for say 1,500 for particular type of steel (carbon), would it hurt the steel if left in the furnace for a time much longer than a "soak". In other words, would leaving the blade at the suggested HT temp for an hour do anything to harm it? No, I haven't done it, but I'm just wondering what affect if any it would have. (seems like I could find something better to worry about )

 

[Raymond Richard]

Robert, My thoughts on this is you'd be lossing carbon. I don't think an hour would hurt at 1500 but a higher heat most likly would. You'd sure gain alot of decarb in an hour if it wasn't in a bag....

 

[mete]

Two things happen when the steel is heated for longer times than necessary ,decarburization and grain growth.The effects are worse the higher the temperature.

 

[rhrocker]

I hadn't thought about continued grain growth. I guess there's a stopping point for that eventually if left at a given temp. Also looks like the continuous heat would decarb the steel until there was nothing left (if not in a SS wrap). Well, It wasn't such an important question, but knew I'd find the answer here. Thanks guys.