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268679 Bill Webber 2019‑06‑14 Re: Need some help with heat treating O1 steel
Hi Kirk,

Thanks for your comments.  So far I'm still pursuing the weed burner 
path.  Over the years I've learned that Mapp is hotter than propane, and 
a small propane torch is generally inadequate for heat treating. (yes 
you can build a purpose specific oven.) I think everyone wold agree on 
this point? Anyway I'm going with the high volume propane torch for the 
following reasons, in no particular order.

1. It's less expensive.  Inexpensive wand with a hose to connect to my 
several barbecue tanks.

2. While MAPP is hotter, it is more point specific.  Larry Williams 
makes the point that you want the heat to flow to the tip, with heat 
flowing evenly through the whole iron as  opposed to heating just the 
tip.  If you focus on just heating the tip you risk quickly over heating it.

3. I think MAPP would require much more attention, where the propane 
weed killer can be left to cook with less panic involved.  I'm looking 
for guaranteed success in all cases.

4. I'm not concerned about the environment.  I'll stack a few fire 
bricks on a concrete block out doors in my fire pit.

5. I've sent out a lot of blades to be heat treated.  The last ones I 
sent out were ruined by a well known maker because he did not vet a new 
vendor.  I want to avoid ever doing that again.

6. Couple weeks to go before I'm ready, but wish me luck...

Regards,

Bill W.
Nottingham, PA
Woodworkers visit me at http://billwebber.galootcentral.com/

Recent Bios FAQ