Tink, Tink, Tink

[Ragnarok Forge]

I am definately buying some Parks 50.  I spent this evening requenching the 15 blades that failed to harden in canola oil last weekend. I used an interupted quench with a 3 count dip into 70 degree water and then into 130 degree canola oil.  I lost 4 of the 15 blades.  All 4 cracked in the oil.  3 of the 4 are cracked far enough forward to be salvaged with a modified blade shape.   3 of the 4 blades were bird and trout designs with thin edges.

I am going to call the manufacturer to try and find a local supplier.

[Lin Rhea]

The big question: did they harden the entire length?

Try Kelly Couples for the Parks 50. I have his contact info somewhere, but you might can find it pretty fast on the web.

[srtben]

Are you doing a vertical or horizontal quench?

[Ragnarok Forge]

Lin,  they hardened the full length.  Skated a file and passed the brass rod test.  I broke the cracked blades, the grain structure looks good.  Srtben, I am using a horizontal edge quench.  Part of the original quench problem was not putting the edge deep enough into the quench oil.  So much to learn!

[tippit]

Clay,
Just got home to Boston.  I know Kelly has it but it's a bit pricey.  Call Maxim Oil and you get a real nice lady on the phone who'll place your order and ship within a day or so.  Five gallon bucket is $72.50 with FedEx shipping & tax $123.26 to Boston.  They also have a couple other quenches.  Shipping is the problem so it seems they only use FedEx.  People on Knife Dog rave about about them.  

Maxim Oil & Chemical
Burleson, TX
817-293-4845

[Ragnarok Forge]

Tippet.  Thanks a ton for the info.  I will give them a call. What temp do you heat it to for the quench, or do you heat it at all?  What materials is the container it comes in.  Does it smoke a lot when you quench with it?  Does it have a tendency to flare up when you quench.

[tippit]

Clay,
Be very careful heating Parks 50 as it's flash point is low.  In the winter I just bring it to room temperature (shop un-heated) in summer I do Not even heat it up.  I also have a lid for my tempering pan in case of oil flash.  Plus I keep a fire extinguisher for oil just in case of any fire in my shop.  Never had to use it used it but if you hit an oil fire with water, you got a big problem.  

Fire is one of the reasons it is difficult to get Parks in small amounts and why they went to selling only it by the drum.  Liability of putting hot metal in oil = potential disaster!

It comes in a sealed plastic 5 gallon bucket boxed...tippit

[Ragnarok Forge]

Thanks for all the info.  I will dig up a metal bucket or quench tank to put it in.  I am looking to order some soon.