Should I buy Parks 50 at this price?

N.W. Gean

N.W. Gean

Joined
Oct 10, 2018
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Hey everyone, I've got a dilemma. I can get a 5 gallon bucket of 50 Quench from a local supplier for 120 bucks, which based on the prices I've seen online is a screaming deal. There's a catch for me, however. I still only have my little 2 brick forge for heat treating. Is it even worth it for me to use 50 quench in that case? Or should I stick with Canola oil until I can afford an oven/ better forge?
 
I’d buy it. It’s not going to go bad for a long time as far as I have heard. I use p50 for a bunch of steels.
 
Not a bad deal! I'd get it.

Using an oil that you can guarantee that you know the properties of is a good way to eliminate variables.
 
Is it actually parks 50 that is made by heatbath?
Last time I bought it I think I paid about that including shipping. It’s not as screaming of a deal if it’s not something that you will use much of. If I found that price I would buy it but I need another 5-10 gallons. But if I did not need it I would pass. just because your saving $10-$20 your still spending $120. I see this often when people spend money on things just because it’s a good deal. I don't get it because your just tossing money at something you don’t need. Spend the money on something you really need. If all you have is a 2 brick forge you might want to invest in upgrading that.
 
What steels are you using right now and which ones are you planning on using? For instance, if you’re trying to go for hamon with 26c3 or other steels requiring fast quench, it would be a good investment.
 
N.W. Gean said:
Hey everyone, I've got a dilemma. I can get a 5 gallon bucket of 50 Quench from a local supplier for 120 bucks, which based on the prices I've seen online is a screaming deal. There's a catch for me, however. I still only have my little 2 brick forge for heat treating. Is it even worth it for me to use 50 quench in that case? Or should I stick with Canola oil until I can afford an oven/ better forge?
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Nice, do they have more? Where's this place at?
 
If you are using canola or other simple oil, absolutely get the 5 gallons of parks. Make a quench tank that holds it all and make a good fitting cover for the tank. It will last a VERY long time. I am still using some of Bill Moran's quench oil and it seems to be fine.
 
And when you have that good forge don't you want a good quechant to quench in? If it is a "this or That" decision, build the forge. If it isn't get the oil and build the forge.
 
It's a good investment. It's a better oil that works at room temp (as long as your shop isn't too cold) Buy a big ammo can with lid.
 
Don’t get me wrong it’s great oil. I just meant if funds are limited the put them where it will do the most good. Good oil will not improve a shoddy heated blade. good in good out vs bad in bad out.
 
It's a matter of limited funds. As I was heat treating in my little 2 brick forge Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, I thought "dang it'd sure be nice to have a kiln" lol. I think I'll have to sell some knives first...
 
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