Another Toolmaker/Blacksmith Question

One quick comment

Andrew F in Australia

>Chromium and vanadium are austenite stabilisers when used in tool steel. Once the steel is cooled below A1 temp (approx 1500�F) these elements cease stabilising the austenite and then combine with carbon and/or boron to form complex carbides.

The main function of these elements in a tool steel is to produce these carbides/borides/nitrides, providing wear resistance.

Ideally, you want something that retains wear resistance at blue heat in a tool steel (think metalworking lathe)

At chromium levels below about 12%, Cr provides no useful corrosion resistance.

Cheers,

Andrew

Re: Afraid to say

Todd Hughes

>I think this is more a reflection on you not wanting to buy worn out used up planes then that original owners of planes didn't often use thier tools ALOT including many trips to the sharpening stone. What plane would you bid on one described as being in "excellent condition with no signs of use" or " Plane has been very well used and blade sharpened up almost to the slot" ?.....Believe me lots of tools out there that have been used Hard and Often.....Todd