temper line

[TJ Smith]

I am using old band saw blades from a local saw mill for knife blades.About 3\32 of an inch thick.My oven reads 1500 degrees and the steel is non-mag.I use a table in the oil and edge quench about 1\3 of the blade.I have got a temper line on occasion but would like to be more consistent.Do I need to etch the blade? with what?

[This message has been edited by TJ Smith (edited 10 October 1999).]

 

[Dr.Lathe]

I've had pretty good results using the Ferric Chloride solution from Radio Shack. It is their printed circuit board etching solution. It costs about $4.00 for a pint. With my A2 knives, I hand rub the blade to 400 grit removing all belt scratches, then I go to a 3M 30mic sheet. I apply the solution with a Qtip, never realy letting it dry. After it turns from yellow to black I rinse it off and repeat the process untill my temper line is defined. At that point I apply another hand rubbed finish with a green or gray ScotchBrite pad.
Neil

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[TJ Smith]

Thanks Dr. Lathe
I'll try that. I use the scotchbrite pads also . I go from maroon to grey and get a good finish.