Tips, Tricks & Info
Just a collection of quotes and note from blade forums and FB Groups that I want to keep.
If you’re just starting, what steel to use?
Start with steels that are easy to work and importantly, easy to heat treat:
- 1070
- 1084
51200 is a great steel but heat treatment is not as easy as 1084.
High alloy steels – Can D-2 steel produce a hamon?
“Unlike simple carbon steels high alloys have a peak hardness/strength. For example, if the D-2 is perfectly heat treated it’s peak strength and hardness are at 60-62RCH. Tempering an alloy like D-2 down to 55RCH will net in a weaker steel. A simple carbon steel can be hardened and it be brittle but tempering softens and makes tougher to the point where it’s springy. High alloy steels don’t do that. The large carbide formations also make for weaker grain boundaries, this is why you don’t see stainless springs in D-2 or 440C. A hammon is formed from a boundary between pearlite and martinsite. Heat treating high alloy steels does not allow for this boundary to form.”
~ James
Wearing a full face shield is not enough
When wearing a full face shield, always wear safety glasses underneath it.
Sparks and handle material can bounce off collars, aprons and nearby machines and still end up in your eyes.
Mosaic Pins too tight?
Don’t ream the whole or sand your pin. Get a 0.1mm or 0.2mm larger drill size to get a better result.
Belts – can I run my belts in both directions
Yes, forwards can give the best results but running the grinding belt both ways gives you more life from the same belt.
Parks 50
The maximum operating temperature for 50 oil is 120F. It provides peak results between 50-120F.