What type of Quench oil should I be using for 3-v

M

MeatRobot

Joined
Sep 22, 2012
Messages
204
Having trouble getting the full hardness out of my 3-v bush choppers with plate quenching, so I tried oil quenching from 2050F into some non flammable hydraulic fluid heated to 160f and got 61-60rc out of the quench then 2hr soak in liq no2 and triple tempered at 400f, the first two times for 2 hr with water quench, the last temper I let it cool down with the oven.

Final hardness was 58-59rc

the test blade performed very well on some impact tests but I think I can squeeze some more performance out of this steel at 60-61rc,

I'm thinking I need to get some proper quench oil, I usually plate quench everything so some advise on what oil type and were to get it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Some pics of the test blade .025" thick at edge before sharpening pounded into steel plate with 4lb hammer






 
Last edited:
I think you use too high austenitizing temperature. I know data sheets suggest 2050F for highest as quenched hardness but from my experience the lower austenitizing will get you higher as quenched hrc and less RA thus more suitable for 400F low range tempering. Try 1975F with 30 min soak.
 
Have you tried the 1975° range with plate quenching and an over night cryo soak and a 400° temper? That should land you in the 60-61rc range with great toughness.
 
I assume you are using High temp foil? And true cryo is an absolute must for 3V.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top