SPRING STEEL?

[STIHL]

Im working with some spring steel, and find it to be some real hard stuff.Whats the easiest way to reduce the hardness?I have access to a BBQ GRILL, thats about it for now.Am I out of luck?I might be able to get my hands on some torchs next week,but I realy want to start this project.Please help.
Thanks,
Jay

 

[GARY B]

Hi Stihl,
Without knowing the kind of spring steel and how big a piece you're working with, it is kinda hard to be real specific. The main thing is the steel will have to be annealed before you can drill, file or grind it successfully.

The principal involved is to heat the steel to critical temperature and then let it cool VERY SLOWLY back to room temp. Heat the steel up till it starts to glow red and check to see if a magnet will stick to it. When the magnet wont stick it needs to be placed in a FIREPROOF container full of vermiculite. de-marcation lime or wood ash and completely covered. These materials will insulate the steel and allow it to cool slowly (like overnight) After it's cool it will drill and file much easier.

If your using something like old Camaro leaf springs I would recommend finding a spring manufacturer and buying some 5160 brand new. It is already annealed and not subject to internal stress cracks like used springs may have. It is also cheap, like in the neighborhood of $1.50 to $2.00 per pound.

Hope this helps....GaryB

 

[STIHL]

Thanks alot Gary this will help alot , im sure.Ive been sitting in front of this screen waiting for almost an hour for a reply......=}I realy appreciate it.Now im heading back to the garage.Thanks again, ill let you know how it worked.
Jay

 

[tejas7]

Leaf Springs......thats how I started, well actually an old lawn mower blade...It was also 5160 but I did not know it at the time.

I have to agree with the replies already posted. It must be annealed...Do it as they suggest, but it will still be pretty hard. I burned out a lot of drill bits on that stuff.

Go buy 5160 annealed from a spring manufacturer from the yellow pages. It will be straight, and MUCH easier to work with. Also cheaper than getting springs from the junk yard and having to heat and pound them yourself.

5160 is great steel. You can get excellent results heat treating it yourself with a torch and some motor oil. Check past post for details. Good Luck.