Tempering W2

[Union Creek]

Could someone give me a rundown on tempering, quenching and the drawing temp of W2

Thanks,
Bob

 

[primos]

Bob,
You didn't specify whether you were doing stock removal or forging. Here's about all I can think of that might help. Note that all temps shown are degrees Fahrenheit.

If forging, forge between 1700 - 1900 F.

Normalizing can be done successfully between 1450 - 1700 F. I would probably use about 1600 F.

Annealing can be done at 1400 - 1450 F. Once this temp is acheived, remove the blade and leave over night in ash or vermiculite, or even slow cool in the heat treating furnace if you are using one.

If you are not forging, and the steel is already annealed, you can skip the stuff above.

The austenizing range for W2 is 1400 - 1550 F. I would probably go with 1500 F., no soak time, and quench in oil. Water can be used with W2, but unless you are familiar with water quench, I would avoid it -- we're talking about some serious shock to the blade with water. You might turn one good sized knife into three or four little ones. (ha-ha)

As quenched, you should pretty much have maximum martensite transformation, and the steel will be at 65 - 67 HRc.

I suggest tempering in the oven two times, for at least one hour each, at one of the following temperatures:

450 F. for approximately 61 HRc
500 F. for 58 - 59 HRc.

Kitchen ovens are not very accurate. Start on the low side and adjust until you get the results you are looking for.

These aren't hard, fast rules -- merely workable suggestions. Good Luck.

Terry Primos

 

[Union Creek]

Thanks, Primos

That's about what I had figured I needed to do. The blade is being forged out of an old file, this is the second one. The first I had all done and quenched in water and ended up with a few little knives.


Thanks,
bob