Quick questions regarding 1084 Heat treat

[seelow123]

Good evening everyone.

I've been doing some research on 1084 heat treat and have gotten some mixed answers. I have read the stickies as well as done a lot of googling the subject but would really like some clarity.

I've got two blades I plan on heat treating tomorrow morning. One is a medium sized fixed blade and the other is a small friction folder blade. Both are 1/4 inch thick 1084 (Meant to get thinner stock but oh well) I would like to know....


1. what temp to bring it to and how long to keep it there (1500?)

2. what temperature do I temper it at and how many cycles should I do?

I've seen a lot of mixed answers/methods regarding these questions so I thought I'd ask you knowledgeable people before I do something I shouldn't I'm using an evenheat oven, will quench in canola oil and temper in my kitchen oven most likely.

Thanks!

 

[sunshadow]

My kiln is set to 1485 for 1084, I bring the kiln up to temperature, let it equilibrate for 20-30 minutes, throw a chunk of lump charcoal in, put the blade in edge side up in a rack I made out of 300 series 1/8 steel rod, let it sit there for 15-20 minutes, then quench in room temp Parks 50. (You can substitute 130f canola oil but with a blade that thick you run the risk of cracking when the blade gets below 450f as the
Stresses of martensite formation are extreme and canola does not slow down in that temp range like commercial quench oil) then I put in an oven that has been equilibrated to 400f for at least a half hour before the knife goes in and temper for an hour, water quench, temper for an hour, water quench, and temper a third time for an hour and water quench.
YMMV
-Page

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Do all work required before HT, including drilling all holes, and sanding to a good smooth 400 grit finish.

Heat the blade evenly to 1475-1500F ( about 50-75°F hotter than when the blade becomes non-magnetic), and quench in commercial fast quenchant ( A gallon of 130°F Canola oil will work)
Gently wash off the oil and place in the kitchen oven that has be pre-heated to 400°F. Temper for two hours.
Remove and cool of by quenching in water ( cooling off in running water from the tap is fine)
Place back in the oven for a second two hour temper, and cool in water after the time is up.

Your blade is now ready to do the finish sanding and assembly.

 

[Rick Marchand]

My first question would be to ask what your heat sources are? (for hardening and tempering)

Hardening
If you are using an open forge(propane/coal/charcoal), there are several variables to consider.
If you are using an electric kiln, it is pretty much dial in and hit start.(Page and Stacy already gave you two good formulas)

Tempering
If you are using a kitchen or toaster oven, there are a few things you can(and should) do to gain more control and consistency.
If you are using an electric kiln, there are a few tweeks you can do here, too(Page mentioned a piece of coal to eat up oxygen).

The equipment you are using changes how I would answer.:thumbup: