tempil sticks

W

woodpecker forge

Joined
Jan 29, 2015
Messages
7
Hello all , I was recently researching heat treat charts for 1080 steel and I came across a product called tempil sticks. I was wondering if anyone has ever used them ? If so , what did you think ? Also , do they melt as a result of direct flame ? I use a gas forge so if they did it would be a problem for me . Thank you for your imput.
 
They have their uses for checking kiln temps and such, but are not all that useful for doing HT. You make marks with three crayons, say 1400F, 1450F, and 1500F. As you heat the steel, you watch the crayon marks. When the first melts ( and changes color) the steel just crossed 1400F, when the second melts, it is at or above 1450F. As long as the last one isn't melted, the steel is about 1460-1490F.

They are more useful at lower temps.

Flames in a forge would cause problems. I have pulled the blade and made a swipe with the crayon to see if it melts, but I find a magnet sitting next to the forge port a far better way to know when the blade is 1414F.
 
We use them in the welding industry all the time to ensure the parent metal hasn't exceeded allowable limits, or to verify preheat temperatures. They are very reliable if used as Stacy has described, I would not use them for heat treat as the window of temperature moves too fast through our little blades.
 
I've never used them myself but along the lines of what Stacy said, I've read of guys using them for tempering. Setting the blade somewhere near a heat source like on top a forge where you can watch it while forging something else. I don't think this is ideal but I think it would be better than guessing, if you didn't have something temperature controlled.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top