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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 312 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 312 Likes: 2 |
Cheers guys i think i have all the information i need.
I have raided my chisel drawer and re profiled some of the obscure older stuff, and begun work on making some others, just hard to find time during workshop hours.
Will post results once i have road tested them a bit.
James.
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,158 Likes: 250
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,158 Likes: 250 |
I do feel that I should point out a couple of things about using oil for tempering steel. I did not mention it in the posting because the likelihood of the average reader having at his disposal true tempering oil, they would more than likely be tempted to use Automobile oil. Tempering and Automobile Oil are two different beasts when it comes to plunging red hot steel into them. The smoke and fumes given off true tempering oil the toxicity is reasonable but Automobile Engine lubricating oil in the same conditions gives off far more toxic substances and therefor not recommended at all. Now "Silver Steel" Drill Rod will water harden and temper with no problems, well it is just a basic high carbon steel that Blacksmiths have been tempering with water for many hundreds of years.
Lets keep oil for high grade Chrome Vanadium Steels and HSS versions and just for the odd Wood chisel and small parts lets stick to rule of thumb and water in these cases we don't need perfection. Well as far as I am aware of breathing in steam is not detrimental to the human body.
The only lessons in my life I truly did learn from where the ones I paid for!
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 388 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 388 Likes: 1 |
I do feel that I should point out a couple of things about using oil for tempering steel. I did not mention it in the posting because the likelihood of the average reader having at his disposal true tempering oil, they would more than likely be tempted to use Automobile oil. Tempering and Automobile Oil are two different beasts when it comes to plunging red hot steel into them. The smoke and fumes given off true tempering oil the toxicity is reasonable but Automobile Engine lubricating oil in the same conditions gives off far more toxic substances and therefor not recommended at all. Now "Silver Steel" Drill Rod will water harden and temper with no problems, well it is just a basic high carbon steel that Blacksmiths have been tempering with water for many hundreds of years.
Lets keep oil for high grade Chrome Vanadium Steels and HSS versions and just for the odd Wood chisel and small parts lets stick to rule of thumb and water in these cases we don't need perfection. Well as far as I am aware of breathing in steam is not detrimental to the human body. I have been using cheapo vegetable oil from tesco's for quenching for years Damascus, never had a problem with it. Its cleaner to clean up than dirty old motor oil, and the only health risk is it might make you hungry for a plate of chips.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,912 Likes: 215
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,912 Likes: 215 |
I usually use small worn out files for making little chisels.
Sometimes short lengths of drill-rod too. When using the latter they are usually just unkn types from the scrap can (water hardening, oil hardening??).
So to harden them on the first attempt I use the old method of a can of water with and oil slick on the surface. Seems not to matter the type of oil, unless I'm just luck. But I just use a few drops of motor oil from the 'oil quench' can.
You still don't get to know which type steel it is, but at least it hardens for you. Then just draw them back to where you want them to be.
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