heat treating some 3/16" A-2 drill rod

[Mutt]

I 'm looking for whatever way(s) there is to heat treat some 3/16" A-2 drill rod (these are small clutch pushrods). 5" long. I need them to be scale free after heat treating. I got a nice a Paragon heat treat oven and used it many times, but scale was never an issue as the parts would always be blasted before being used.

 

[Rustrp]

There are some compounds available to prevent the scaling and I think the main ingredient is boric acid. I don't think it prevents the scaling as much as it causes the scale to fall off so you don't have a lot of cleanup.

 

[Mutt]

any idea what they are called?

 

[Wreck™Wreck]

Vacuum oven, no gasses hence little or no scale, may be a bit tricky at home however (-:

 

[rgray]

I think in the clickspring youtube videos he used boric acid for less scale..Just like Rustrp said.
https://www.amazon.com/PestGuard-Zap-Roach-Boric-Acid/dp/B0016J1MZG

I have no idea if that is how you buy it for what your attempting but maybe.

 

[Rustrp]

any idea what they are called?

https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn...nable-Wax/Anti-Scale-Compounds?navid=12101775

....or

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...accessories/anti-scale-coating-prod23076.aspx

 

[mikey]

Most powdered termite killers you can get at any hardware store contain boric acid. Check the ingredients and choose one that is 100% Boric Acid. Mix a small amount with rubbing alcohol to a paste-like consistency; only takes a little alcohol. Brush it onto the part and the wire that you're holding it with and get it all covered. Heat treat it as usual, then scrub off the grayish-black residue with Scotchbrite - comes off easily. The wipe with lacquer thinner to remove any oil and temper. Works good!

 

[Rustrp]

I think both the links I posted are boric acid with whatever additive they use to get it to adhere. Go to any hardware store or today's big box DIY and check out the home and garden pest control section. Boric acid comes in powder or pellets for pest control but most stores carry the powder.

 

[kd4gij]

Where I used to work they used a lot of A2. They wrapped tight in SS foil with a piece of paper inside to burn off all the oxygen. A quick polish with red scotch bright would shine the parts right up.

 

[Bob Korves]

SS foil works well but it is pricey, and it is easy to get seriously cut when using it.