- Joined
- Sep 6, 2016
- Messages
- 113
I've been using O1 for quite some time due to it's balance of abrasion resistance, toughness and hardness.
I use a gas forge that runs at about 3K degrees F. Hot enough to reach forge welding temps with ease. 2 full in. of Kaowool liner. Gets up to temp very quickly. Almost too hot for heat treats without being VERY careful.
I used to use a decarb preventer that does a reasonable job... I've used a powder product that melts on warm steel going a glassy surface and keeps th O2 off the steel at HT temps. Two weeks ago, I made a minor change to the way I HT in this forge. I assume most know about the preheat soak time with O1 (and others) as opposed to 10 series steels where you just get it non-magnetic and quench it.
I have begun doing my heat treats outside the forge body right at the opening of the forge with a very rich fuel mixture. Definite "dragons breath" from the front. I'm not using any decarb products any more and am getting less scale than with it due to the slow heating and rich fuel. This is much to do with the highly rich heat plume coming out the front of the forge and the fact that it is heating much slower to the non-magnetic temp. In this process, I'm taking a full 10 mins in this fuel rich atmosphere to reach "semi-magnetic". Another 2-3 mins and it's fully non-magnetic. So this is my soak period and is MUCH easier to not overcook the steel.
So yesterday I made a short version to simulate the ABS 90 degree bend test. Total length, 6". No handle room and less blade length, creating a much sharper bend then is allowed on the ABS bend/break test. 1.5" was in the vise and 1" in a 14" adjustable end wrench, forcing an abnormally short bend radius. No break even on the edge and mostly, returned to straight. I was wowed! Still shaving sharp. Gripped the blade tightly with 2 visegrip pliers to prevent it slipping on a chop test. Remember, this is just a blade stopping at the ricasso. Chop test was survived and still shaving sharp.
Conclusion? Even with proper soak times at pre-heat and at Austenitic temp, SLOW, long heat has made a huge difference. Now the REAL surprising part for me. Even drawn back to 54 RHc for this test (according to the tables (650F for 54-55 RHc and double drawn), a new Nicholson halfround file still skates on it! That part I don't understand, but like!
Looking forward to any comments on this test and observation
I use a gas forge that runs at about 3K degrees F. Hot enough to reach forge welding temps with ease. 2 full in. of Kaowool liner. Gets up to temp very quickly. Almost too hot for heat treats without being VERY careful.
I used to use a decarb preventer that does a reasonable job... I've used a powder product that melts on warm steel going a glassy surface and keeps th O2 off the steel at HT temps. Two weeks ago, I made a minor change to the way I HT in this forge. I assume most know about the preheat soak time with O1 (and others) as opposed to 10 series steels where you just get it non-magnetic and quench it.
I have begun doing my heat treats outside the forge body right at the opening of the forge with a very rich fuel mixture. Definite "dragons breath" from the front. I'm not using any decarb products any more and am getting less scale than with it due to the slow heating and rich fuel. This is much to do with the highly rich heat plume coming out the front of the forge and the fact that it is heating much slower to the non-magnetic temp. In this process, I'm taking a full 10 mins in this fuel rich atmosphere to reach "semi-magnetic". Another 2-3 mins and it's fully non-magnetic. So this is my soak period and is MUCH easier to not overcook the steel.
So yesterday I made a short version to simulate the ABS 90 degree bend test. Total length, 6". No handle room and less blade length, creating a much sharper bend then is allowed on the ABS bend/break test. 1.5" was in the vise and 1" in a 14" adjustable end wrench, forcing an abnormally short bend radius. No break even on the edge and mostly, returned to straight. I was wowed! Still shaving sharp. Gripped the blade tightly with 2 visegrip pliers to prevent it slipping on a chop test. Remember, this is just a blade stopping at the ricasso. Chop test was survived and still shaving sharp.
Conclusion? Even with proper soak times at pre-heat and at Austenitic temp, SLOW, long heat has made a huge difference. Now the REAL surprising part for me. Even drawn back to 54 RHc for this test (according to the tables (650F for 54-55 RHc and double drawn), a new Nicholson halfround file still skates on it! That part I don't understand, but like!
Looking forward to any comments on this test and observation