[TheForge] Quenching mild steel

Wed Sep 3 12:28:00 2003

Shannel:  You should be able to cool mild steel with a water dip without
changing the working characteristics to any noticeable degree.  I always let
mild steels air cool unless I need to hand-hold on a previously heated and
worked section.  I see no need to quench/cool such material otherwise.  Any
radical cooling induces stresses

Actually, some hardening of mild steels does take place, but the carbon
content of 1018, etc., (18 pts.) does not allow hardening to the level of
tool steels.  This is stated by  E.C. Bain in his book "Alloying Elements in
Steel".

 I have noted that forged and water cooled mild steel seems to drill more
evenly, based on the length of the drill cutting generated .  This could
also be a result of the forging process, which I think is more likely

Also, keep in mind the difference between hardness and toughness.  Hardness
is the ability to resist indentation and toughness is the ability to resist
shock/impact.  Air cooled mild steel has great toughness, but little
hardness.

Mild steel makes great tongs because it will stand the water dipping between
heats to cool such tongs in service.  Some smiths use A36 for such tongs as
well.  I have also used automotive coil springs with great success.  These
tongs are nice and springy, allowing a tight hold with just a wee bit of
extra pressure.  They also allow for tongs of thinner stock, but I try not
to cool them in water too often.

Grant
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Shannell Sugrue" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2003 7:14 AM
Subject: [TheForge] Quenching mild steel

> With all the talk lately of heat treating, Ive wondered for a while about
> the details of quenching mild or 1018 steel? ie the problems with drilling
> after a quench, is this toughness? and changing the yield point of mild
> steel for tong handles etc.
>  What temps is it safe to quench below and notice no significant
difference
> to the steel? I usually go by sound once its black, if it sizzles too much
> when it hits the water I put it down for 5 more minutes. I know you cant
> really harden mild steel, although super quech seems to work well enough,
> but what properties are changable by quenching and at what temps I guess
is
> my Q?
>
>
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