[TheForge] Superquench/hardening power hammer dies

[xlch58 at swbell.net]

Stupidity can't be fixed just by changing the name.   Use superquench, 
because that is exactly what it is.   The stupid will continue to be 
stupid and the rest will know what in the hell you are talking about.

Chales

David E. Smucker wrote:

> Bruce,  The issue I have with the name "Superquench" is that I have 
> run into many metal workers / blacksmiths that think superquench does 
> something magic to turn mild steel into tool steel.  This is one of 
> the greatest items of BS out there.  As a strong technical person you 
> understand that we are not changing the physics or chemistry of the 
> steel by using superquench -- but there seem to be many folks that 
> think this is the case.  A36 hardened in superquench is not tool 
> steel.  It is just A36 about as damn hard as you can get it.  Does it 
> make a good cold chisel or a good wood working tool - NO it doesn't.  
> It can get to maybe Rc 50 and those tools should be at least Rc 58 to 
> 60 or a little harder.  For tools, dies etc. use the right steel.  
> There are lots of "junk" steels that are close to the right steel, it 
> doesn't have to be the perfect steel -- but good is a far  better than 
> A36.
>
> I recently had the luck to come across some 7/8 dia. 4340 at a local 
> scrap yard.  When I found out I could harden this unknown steel -- I 
> went back a bought all that was left -- about 40 -- 12 foot sticks.  
> Later I was able to get it tested and found it to be 4340 -- I am one 
> happy camper with a lot steel for tools in my private stock.
>
> Dave Smucker
>