OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

251390 Paul Fowler <paulf1944@g...> 2014‑10‑26 Knives
McMasterCarr, sells tool steel O1/A2/ etc in all sizes, Why not buy known
quality, rather buy saw blades? Recycled blades make more sense than new
blades unless you use em up! IMHO...
251395 scott grandstaff <scottg@s...> 2014‑10‑26 Re: Knives
Why not buy known quality, rather buy saw blades? Recycled blades make 
more sense than new blades unless you use em up!

  I use new steel a lot. Having a stash of tool steel(s) available? I 
consider crucial shop practice. I also have a lot of used steel.
   There are times when the project absolutely calls for new steel, and 
you are thrilled you have some. The surface work and been at least been 
started for you.
  New steel is pretty easy to make flat and shiny.

  There are other times when you will be cutting into the steel so 
deeply that whatever surface you started with will not matter much, new 
versus old. You are down into the middle of the steel now, the surface 
is long gone.
In those cases the old steel is fantastically economical and I save the 
new for other jobs.

    Used saw blades are at least guaranteed tough.  Of that you can be sure.
  They have already stood up to abuse, and you can count on the metal 
not snapping easy.
The hardness and temper you will have to investigate, but that is quick too.
  Cut a piece and test it real quick only takes a minute. Grind a little 
and try a fine file. The sparks should have long branching tails and the 
file should just skate. Not quite cut in.
    And if you are really curious sharpen a tiny bit and see how long 
the edge lasts, as you throw unwholesome test materials at it.
  Its really quite quick to ==ballpark== determine what kind steel you 
have in your hand, whether you know where it came from or not.
    Ballpark is closer than you think.

  Everyone has their own idea of what steel is truly best for any 
particular job, of course. There are also times when "the best" is more 
than you need, and you are throwing away time and money.  Save the best 
for another occasion.

  Its like ice cream flavors. Most are very good.
     yours Scott




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    Scott Grandstaff
    Box 409 Happy Camp, Ca  96039
    scottg@s...
    http://www.snowcrest.n
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Recent Bios FAQ