territorialmillworks Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Want to use the torch to 'blue' mild steel but can't seem to get the effect that I want. I've tried a brazing tip and cutting tip. Problem is that when I try to blue close to a previous spot, I loose the coloration. On small pieces, I just end up overheating and loose all the color. I've played with keeping the flame close to the surface and far from the surface. Do I need a rich or lean flame?? I know that this is simple enough but I just can't seem to get it right and do it consistently....Any ideas?? THX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 It's easy to get it too hot, too quickly - especially with an O/A or oxy-propane torch. Make sure the piece is chemically clean, sandblasting followed by power wire brushing is good then stop heating when you hit purple because the heat will travel. I use a rich flame and play the torch around from a distance of about 6 inches and just use the feather to color. I've attached a pic of a cross I colored this way a few years ago. Some of the blues were quite iridescent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rlarkin Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 I have done a lot of experimenting doing my BBQ tools. 1/4" cold rolled. Lots of twists, with forged handles and business ends. Vinegar bath for a couple days, then wire wheeled, and wipped with acetone. As stated above, must be real clean. Any oils of finger prints create HOT SPOTS that are a B**** to get out. I clamp them up and start running the torch over them evenly on the entire length. After 3 slow passes I start to see the straw color. I run one more fast pass then step back and watch. The blue will start and within 3 seconds the entire piece is deep blue. I now either hit desired areas with a brass brush, or more heat in certain areas to get steel color. It is real interesting to stop the heat at straw, then add just a touch more to certain areas to get to blue. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
781 Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 How large is your piece too large for the kitchen stove top? I sometimes put it on the propame stove burner and keep moving it around Like it was mentioned earlier it is easy to get too hot heat it a little then shout off the burner. You can always ass more heat. Too much heat and you have to pollich and start over. Some use a toaster oven if the piece is small enough Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
781 Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 I see on the above post I needed to do spell check before I hit reply Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 I see on the above post I needed to do spell check before I hit reply You should be able to edit your own posts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Woolsey Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 I use a propane weed burner for "heat patina". Soft even heat, clean steel, patience, and practice. Johnny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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