Got some spring stock from Dixie Gun Works for a toplever spring. Took a long time to cut, grind and file to shape. However, the heat treatment proved most tricky. Heated till strong red, held at that temp for about a minute, then dunked in oil. Brought it back to dull red in a dark room. It was too soft. Repeated. Brought it back til the bright blue just turned silver in the light. Still too soft. Now I was nervous my spring was going to fatigue. Did the hardening again, maybe a little hotter and longer (orange red) before dunking. Brought it back to dark blue through gray with the non-working arm still purple/brown(wasn't able to get uniform color with a torch and didn't want to overdo it). This time it had good spring temper. Hopefully it will last.
Anyone have advice for making springs?
