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My old boss in Tulsa said to always quench a leaf spring in water, not oil
He was sure it would make the steel harder, so I tried it on a cleaver blank last month. The thing cracked right down the middle with a loud ping, a total loss. Now I've heard other smiths say oil is the only safe way for that steel. Which method do you actually use for truck spring projects?
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abby1897d ago
Man, that ping sound is the worst. Your boss was dead wrong for tool steel. Leaf springs are usually 5160 or similar, and water is way too harsh. I use preheated canola oil, about 130 degrees. It gives that slower cool that prevents cracks. Made a few heavy-duty camp knives from old springs that way, no issues. Water is for some simple carbon steels, but not for springs.
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paule5311d ago
Depends on the steel, but quenching old leaf springs in oil is way safer. Water cools it too fast and stresses the metal, that's why your cleaver cracked.
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jesse_craig2611d ago
Yeah, that's a solid point from @paule53. I've seen so many blades get wrecked from quenching in water, even when the steel should handle it. Oil just gives it that slower cool down it needs to stay tough. My buddy lost a good knife the same way, just a nasty split right down the middle.
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