05-05-2017, 10:16 PM
Wade, I can't see how this could be an issue for you. A whole second is quite a while in reality. It probably doesn't take much more than half that, and you probably have at least two seconds before it could affect a .030" edge at all.
Another thing is that the edge cools fastest too, which actually has a worse effect on the blade. Cracks usually appear from the edge. Probably has to do with martensite expansion.
If you aren't getting the right hardness, set your kiln 25-50* hotter. If there's no gain, go back down and temper it less. There's a solution or a limit to everything.
I understand you don't have ideal conditions. I think I can envision your disconnection from the blade, as you seem concerned with the blade going "straight in". The only concern is that you don't put side load on it.
That, and I always keep the blade moving. When you see the heat waves coming off the blade in the (hopefully you use clear) oil, you will see a heat shield form around the blade, and you'll understand why you need to keep the blade moving
You can quench at whatever angle you want, and your quench tank allows. Many use long, thin tanks and quench "edge down". Samurai swords and edge quenching are two examples.
It's easy to overthink everything at first. Jeez! You haven't been at this long enough to know the right questions!
Another thing is that the edge cools fastest too, which actually has a worse effect on the blade. Cracks usually appear from the edge. Probably has to do with martensite expansion.
If you aren't getting the right hardness, set your kiln 25-50* hotter. If there's no gain, go back down and temper it less. There's a solution or a limit to everything.
I understand you don't have ideal conditions. I think I can envision your disconnection from the blade, as you seem concerned with the blade going "straight in". The only concern is that you don't put side load on it.
That, and I always keep the blade moving. When you see the heat waves coming off the blade in the (hopefully you use clear) oil, you will see a heat shield form around the blade, and you'll understand why you need to keep the blade moving
You can quench at whatever angle you want, and your quench tank allows. Many use long, thin tanks and quench "edge down". Samurai swords and edge quenching are two examples.
It's easy to overthink everything at first. Jeez! You haven't been at this long enough to know the right questions!