Quenching oil

[jackie]

have been using canola oil heated to 130 degrees. just purchased some 11 second quenching oil from mcmaster carr should i still heat this oil to 130 degrees.  thank you jackie

[Jeremy]

What steel are you using?  

If you're using something that needs a fast quench, like 1095, then yup, heat the oil.  If you're using something that calls for a slower quench, like 5160, then you probably shouldn't.

I'll be getting 5 gal of that oil in the near future... just waiting until things settle down again and I get some real shop time!  

[Todd Robbins]

I called McMaster Carr with that same question and was told that the oil was designed to be used at room temperature.  What steel are you using?  The 11 second might not be fast enough to get the most out of 1095 or w-1, or similar low mangenese steels.  It'll work great for 5160, O-1, and steels that don't require a fast quench.