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7:44 pm
NWBA Member
June 24, 2011
Offline
Hello,
Given a piece of spring steel, once I have it forged to the shape I want, does it need to be hardened and tempered to have its spring-like qualities? Do certain tempers give a greater "spring-action"?
Thanks!
--jason
As a beginning Blacksmith, I make scale.
10:17 pm
NWBA Member
Board Member
April 26, 2010
Offline
If by "spring-like qualities" you mean it will return to original form after being flexed, then yes you do have to HT it.
As for "spring action" - I don't know what that is. I do know the elastic modulus (the force required for a given deflection below the point where it takes a set) is changes negligably wiht HT or steel composition. I also know the elastic limit (the force needed to make it take a set) increases drastically with HT.
Do you know what kind of steel you are working with? And what are you making from it? Springs can be made of any of several of steels, from 1050 to 5160 to S7 - all over the map.
No matter where you go... there you are.
12:05 am
Lee gave you the knifemaker bit, here's the blacksmith bit.
Yes it needs to be rehardened and tempered to be tough and "springy". The higher you temper it the softer but more resilient it will be. heat to non magnetic then dunk in oil, then wipe it clean, then put it in your kitchen oven at 500F for an hour, should be what you are lookin for.
11:17 pm
March 22, 2010
Offline
Well both answers are correct it should also be noted "Spring steel". Is like saying I had cow for dinner... You might have eaten brains or Tri-tip stake. There are half a dozen types atleast of "spring" steel and probably dozens of subcategory and they might not act springy unless you have a very specific heat treat profile.
Whatever you are, be a good one.
Abraham Lincoln
4:28 am
NWBA Member
June 24, 2011
Offline
You know, all of that answers my question fairly well. I figured it would depend on the type of steel. I just had no idea about the heat treatment part: At the moment, I am mostly concentrating on moving metal.
The question came up when I began to use short pieces of an automobile coil spring to make clamps for my anvil.
As a beginning Blacksmith, I make scale.
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