SReynolds Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 A smith at a county fair was demonstrating the manufacture of simple S hooks. When one was completed however, he quenched it in a drum of oil at black heat to harden it.................am I missing something all these years? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickOHH Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 Wait, SR you don't make your s-hooks out of 1095?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 A black heat wont harden much of anything, but it will coat the S hooks helping prevent rust. If you will allow me to direct you to the heat treat stickys for your education about what heating treating is and is not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickOHH Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 Ahh, that would make sense Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SReynolds Posted October 19, 2015 Author Share Posted October 19, 2015 10-4-roger that. I do that to some work. I use oil and most often bees way mixed with linseed oil. He did say harden it. so............yeah; I suppose I need to acquire some 1095 stock. Wonder if 4140 would be ok? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickOHH Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 Some s hooks out of 5160 would probably take some abuse, but I think I will save my carbon steels for tools and the like though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlotte Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 S hooks cold forged from copper grounding wire, like 1/4 inch, will take a lot of abuse too. Just flatten the sides a little to reinforce the set. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SReynolds Posted October 19, 2015 Author Share Posted October 19, 2015 Some s hooks out of 5160 would probably take some abuse, but I think I will save my carbon steels for tools and the like though.exactly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickOHH Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 Or throw some 15n20 in there and make some damascus hooks only $30 a pop! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy Ivan Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 I'm wondering if maybe something was lost in speach here. Now as much as its possible he bought into the myth that the carbon in oil increases carbon content....hopefully that's not the case. He may have been referring to how the oil will harden on the surface (like a well seasoned cast iron pan) if dunked at a black heat? Just speculating and giving the demoing Smith the benefit of the doubt here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 Just because someone is demoing doesn't mean they actually know of what they speak. A lot of myth is pretty ingrained into "common" blacksmith lore. I've heard lots of demonstrators say the fire refines the steel while it actually causes grain growth. It's the forging that refines the steel.Probably the most common myth I see and hear is "quenching" the work. If it isn't at critical temp quenching only cools it off or stops the tempering draw. Dipping in oil at black heat will give blacken it like oil quenched tools say black chisels and punches.It's just a finish for things like S hooks, calling it hardening is at best theater but probably a lack of knowledge or honesty. Unless the hook is to hang a deer or steer what's the need to harden it at all? I don't even for drive hooks and they last a long time Heck, they're usually mild or A-36 anyway.Good to look for collaboration when you hear or see things like this. Good question.Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j.w.s. Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 Or throw some 15n20 in there and make some damascus hooks only $30 a pop!$30 a pop? Wanna come to my shop and make Damascus for me? I can offer payment in CNY, PKR or INR - very competitive wages, and I don't believe in beating my employees unless they actually deserve it.J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickOHH Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 $30 a pop? Wanna come to my shop and make Damascus for me? I can offer payment in CNY, PKR or INR - very competitive wages, and I don't believe in beating my employees unless they actually deserve it.Jgenerous offer, but ill just come by sometime and show to make some Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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