Tempering temp for D2

[Chris'knives]

I am just getting into using D2 and need some help. I am sure this has been asked and answered many times but I cannot get the archive search to work. I am using 1/8 inch d2 for hunters. I have read alot of what to me seems conflicting temper temperature suggestions. I have heard everything from 900 to 350 for a RC of 59-60. What is the final decision or does it vary from steel manufacture to manufacture. And while I am asking should the D2 be hardened at 1850 for 20 min minimum how does that time per inch of thickness work when it comes to such small cross sections? Any straight forward easy to understand information would be greatly appreciated and also any complicated help too. Thanks in advance

 

[mete]

1850 F for 20-40 min to help dissolve the carbides .The tempering curve and toughness curve is fairly flat so pick 400-600 F for temper. Plate quench is convenient.

 

[strahd71]

sorry if i'm butting in on this thread but Mete could you explain what you mean byt "plate quench is convenient"?

sorry if its a dumb question

jake

 

[mete]

The high hardening temperatures of stainless require protection from oxidation.The simlest is stainless steel foil. To quench you take the blade in the foil , place it between two aluminum plates ,apply a bit of pressure and you get a nice quick quench. A forum search will give you lots of info.

 

[John L]

I have been using 1880 for 30 minutes, tempering at 400 twice for two hrs each and 1200 for springs one time for two hours. Making slipjoints. The 400 degree temp may be a bit low for a hunter or a chopper. I also plate quench between two pcs of 1 1/4" aluminum 6" x 12" .

 

[blades&grace]

I stress relieve for 1hr @ 1400. Ramp to 1850 and hold for 35min. Plate quench with forced air blowing over the 1" thick plates. They normally test 65RC or higher before tempering.

Then I temper 2x for 2 hrs @ 440. This gives me a 59-60RC.

For springs I temper 2x for 2hrs @ 1145. This gives me a spring with a 49-51RC.

Hope this helps!