Spark test

[alexturner125]

Hi all,

I came across a method known at the spark test using a grinder to determine whether a steel has a low or high carbon content. Does anyone know if this is an accurate method? I've heard mixed answers.

 

[JTknives]

All it tells you is avarage carbon content. The more carbon in the steel the more branch’s and bursts the sparks will have. But this only holds true for simple carbon steels. High alloy steels can have dark orange sparks withfew bursts. But these steels usaly require high temp austinite temps around 2k° and long soak times to harden. If your questioning a steels alloy it’s notmaly better to just buy new steel. Or have it tested like I said in your other thread. But that’s $100-$150 to have done. So you can buy a lot of steelfor that price.

 

[alexturner125]

All it tells you is avarage carbon content. The more carbon in the steel the more branch’s and bursts the sparks will have. But this only holds true for simple carbon steels. High alloy steels can have dark orange sparks withfew bursts. But these steels usaly require high temp austinite temps around 2k° and long soak times to harden. If your questioning a steels alloy it’s notmaly better to just buy new steel. Or have it tested like I said in your other thread. But that’s $100-$150 to have done. So you can buy a lot of steelfor that price.

Oh ok, very good to know, I think I'll go with the buy new steel option. Thank you so much for your help and expertise.

 

[scott kozub]

YouTube university

 

[alexturner125]

YouTube university

That was very informative, thank you!