Quenching Temp???

B

BadBamaUmp

Joined
Aug 8, 2000
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454
Okay, since I've completed my gas forge I've decided to do some experiments with various quenches. I just completed a wharney EDC in 1084 edge quenched in room temperature canola oil (fish fry quench :D) After sharpening I got 60 cuts in cardboard and it still shaves. This is better than my normal heated ATF quench.

What affect does the temp of the quenchent supposedly have on the metal?

Will
 
From what I understand, the temperature of an oil quench should be around 130 deg F. The warmer the oil gets, the less viscous it is. So at room temp, the oil is thicker than if it was heated. Since the oil is thinner it will quench the steel faster.

With 1084 I think you need to get the steel cooler than 900 deg in about a second or so (don't quote me on that though:) ) to form martensite. I don't remember what the TTT curve looks like for that steel, but i think it is around 900 deg.

Anyway, the fish fry oil at room temp may be thinner than the heated ATF. Or maybe by using a propane forge you were able to get a better "heat" on the blade.

I am sure the others here can give you a more complete answer.
 
All steel reacts to different quenches differently. My favorite steel is 5160. My favorite quench is Crisco. I quench everything at least 3 times. The first quench in the Crisco is room temp. Just stick it in the creamy stuff. The file will skate. The Crisco is liquid for the second quench and even hotter for the third.

I expect some of the number cruncher can tell me it can't work well......but it does!

The point is, try many different things. Some work, some don't. If there was a formula that produced the perfect edge, we would all be making forged hanging basket racks!:barf:
 
Canola oil is very low viscosity and quenches very well at room temperature. It is also very cheap-$5.00+ for a 5 liter bottle at Sam's Club.
 
Okay..... I guess what I'm wondering is why do I seem to get a better cutting blade using a room temp oil than when I was heating up the ATF?

I guess I need to study more about what happens to steel during that "moment of truth".

Ah well, it's fun trying new stuff. I've got to see if I was just lucky or if I can repeat the results.

Will
 
The cooler oil quenches faster and as long as the steel doesn't crack that is better. The faster Carbon steel gets down past Ms temp (into the Martensite field), the better.
The lowest alloy I use is O1. Mostly I use D2 and S30V and have been using an interrupted oil quench on them. I have never had a blade crack.
I would think 1084 should quench in room temperature oil with no problem.
 
I've got a couple more wharneys in the same EDC pattern. One will go into the ATF the other into some hmmmmmmm Water??? :D We'll see what happens. I think I'll wear my saftey gear with the water quench. :D

Thanks, for the info.
Will
 
Will, instead of a water quench try a brine quench. There are all kinds of recipes for it from pickleing salts to foot soak but just to have something to try, use table salt and water. Try to get enough in warm water to make an egg float. Don't use a rotten egg, they already float.:D
 
HMMMMM.......You might try leaving them in if you are doing a lot of knives and see if you can create the knifemakers breakfast!;)
 
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