quench plates

Matt Rochester

Matt Rochester

Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Messages
1,864
Can I use any solid aluminum blocks for quench plates? The reason I ask is, I've found plates at USA knifemaker for 150 dollars and the similar size plates on eBay for 30. Whats the difference? The eBay ones are 6061, 1" x 6" x 12".
 
They need to be good and flat. The specific alloy of aluminum is not that important, but 6061 is going to be the most common in an appropriate thickness.
 
A lot of sawed plate aluminum is soft and doesn't hold up well. A lot of extruded aluminum bar is cupped. Good hard flat aluminum is best. I think Kaiser aluminum might have the best as-extruded flatness tolerance. Import material might be out .020 across 6". A good mill and a fly cutter makes it all moot...
 
Rookie - those aluminum plates on ebay, do they have more? How much is shipping? If they have more, would you mind providing a link to them?

Thanks, Ken H>
 
Ken H> said:
Rookie - those aluminum plates on ebay, do they have more? How much is shipping? If they have more, would you mind providing a link to them?

Thanks, Ken H>
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I'm not sure if they have more of the ones I am referring to but there are plenty on there. Just search aluminum block and they are 7 or 8 from the top.
 
Rookie25 said:
I could have the eBay ones flattened and still come out ahead I think. Thanks for the replies.
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Absolutely- If it is 6061 in bar form check the temper most likely T6511 which means it was extruded and then straightened by the mill to achieve the straightness tolerance that T6511 calls for. Of course the flatter it is the more contact area there is between knife and q plate which is better for heat transfer. I just have un-machined T6511 temper and my air hardening blades turn out harder than wood pecker lips.
 
Nathan the Machinist said:
A lot of sawed plate aluminum is soft and doesn't hold up well. A lot of extruded aluminum bar is cupped. Good hard flat aluminum is best. I think Kaiser aluminum might have the best as-extruded flatness tolerance. Import material might be out .020 across 6". A good mill and a fly cutter makes it all moot...
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i have never had any problems with flatness but have never checked ether now your going ot make me check and face them i guess;) more contact the more better
 
Ken H> said:
Rookie - those aluminum plates on ebay, do they have more? How much is shipping? If they have more, would you mind providing a link to them?

Thanks, Ken H>
Click to expand...

Below is what I ordered and he had 6 more I believe. They are extruded and he has free shipping. The seller's name is 6061dude. Hope this helps.
1" X 5" ALUMINUM 6061 FLAT BAR 14" long SOLID T6511 1.00" PLATE New Mill Stock
Qty: 2$59.98
Item price: $29.99
 
on this note.. what is the minimum thickness you guys recommend for the aluminum assuming someone had access to most thicknesses and a surface grinder at work?
 
rustyrazor said:
on this note.. what is the minimum thickness you guys recommend for the aluminum assuming someone had access to most thicknesses and a surface grinder at work?
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My understanding is at least 1" thick and 1" from all edges of the biggest knife you plan on using.
 
I'm gonna use 1.500 thick MIC 6 fixture plate. It's a cast aluminum plate which has been precision ground. I'm sure it will work fine.

Jay
 
Antlerhog said:
I'm gonna use 1.500 thick MIC 6 fixture plate. It's a cast aluminum plate which has been precision ground. I'm sure it will work fine.

Jay
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I'm sure it will work fine, but it is pretty soft and easy to ding up.
 
I've got access to 6061 at work in pretty good thicknesses, so I think I can make something happen for a pretty good deal.
 
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