[TheForge] 1045 uses

[Bruce Freeman]

No doubt this is true, but some of use STILL prefer to scrounge.=20

What I am wondering about is whether it would make any sense to test-harden=
 a spring before forging it into another shape, to see if it cracks.  Of =
course, you'd have to do the test right or it WILL crack.=20

 But given proper quenching technique is used, does it make any sense to =
heat above critical and quench the unforged spring, then, if it doesn't =
crack, anneal it and proceed with some assurance that it is not stress-crac=
ked?

Bruce
NJ

>>> george.dixon@mindspring.com 02/19/03 10:25AM >>>
<snip>
Lastly, used springs can have stress fractures from use and  abuse,=20
which may become apparent only after the
die made from them is hardened...when it can crack from previous stresses.
If you are serious about your trade and understand the value of your=20
time, stick to new materials which are alloyed with their end use in mind.

George Dixon
metalsmith