[TheForge] Re: TheForge digest, Vol 4 #221 - 8 msgs

[Jerry Frost]

----- Original Message -----
From: "jim wallbridge" <jmew@telusplanet.net>
To: <theforge@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2003 7:08 AM
Subject: [TheForge] Re: TheForge digest, Vol 4 #221 - 8 msgs


> --
> I would suspect that 1" grader edge would be made from one of the
> 51xx or 61xx alloys I mentioned as these are economical grades that
> will provide high hardness (and therefore good wear resistance).
> Some alloy content will be necessary to get a thick hardened layer.
> I am surprised by your "it doesn't seem to anneal as this would
> indicate to me a very expensive alloy. If so I would agree that heat
> treating would not be needed. If it can be softened by a subcritical
> anneal (e.g. 1300F for one hr.), I suspect that it will be
> significant damaged (ivergeated in the heat treating termenology)by
> the time that the anvil and the steel have been heated by makeshift
> ways to get a reasonable cu based braze.  This is the reason for my
> suggestion of a seperate heat treatment.


> (James ME Wallbridge P. Eng.) Libertarian, Metallurgist, Wood & Metal
> Worker, Fly Fisher,  Resident of Calgary,  Canada's new head office
> location of choice.   Permission is hereby given to use any or all
> information herein, as an attributed quote, unless the body of the
> message states otherwise.
> _______________________________________________

I've tried a number of times to anneal the stuff, including over a weekend
in an electronically controlled ramping electric muffle furnace (kiln) to no
avail. I took it to non-magnetic and let the muffle furnace have it for
three days.

I just wanted to drill some holes in a piece. It eats carbide and lesser
bits like candy and I'm not so serious as to buy a diamond bit. Also, the
existing "blade bolt" holes appear to be hot punched and drifted/forged to
shape. (Blade or runner bolts are similar to carriage bolts except they have
a counter sunk head and hole with a square shoulder so they finish flush
with a runner, blade, etc.)

I've asked the factory rep for a data sheet and all I get is that, "I'm not
telling you diddly," smile. I can say for sure it's a fairly expensive
alloy, a 1" x 12" x  48" section costs $80 +/- and the state buys in
quantity.

When we get around to attempting forge brazing the stuff I'll keep a real
close eye out for degradation.

Thanks,

Frosty
------------------------
If it ain't forged
it ain't real.
Wrought iron is.
The FrostWorks

Meadow Lakes, AK.