[TheForge] lawnmower blades

[Roger R Degner]

A few years ago had someone at a conference give me a blade blank he said it
was a 10XX and I think 1060 but could be wrong.
Draw out a blade into a small cross section.  Heat to nonmagnetic and quench
in water.  Stick this hardened but not tempered piece in the vise with a
little sticking out.  Wearing eye protection lightly hit the end sticking
out with a hammer.  If it breaks like glass it is high carbon, if it bends
over after repeated blows it is mild steel.

You can try this with an oil quench which is not so severe.



Roger R Degner


Jerry Smith wrote:
> Bob,
> 
> I am not sure these days what they are made out of. My brother had a 
> 1960 Sears Mower, that the blade last up until the mid 1980s before he 
> had files it alway when sharpening it.
> 
> Today I igure they are some kind of mild tool steel
> wit the cutting edge sharpened. I use them to made
> things for fun around the forge.
> 
> Jerry
> 

Jerry,

I figured something like that. Some people are offering their old lawn 
mowers for some foundry work I have going. Thought I could use the 
blades for something. And I will. Need stuff to practice on.

Thanks.

Bob
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