Molding Plane Blades
Doug Reynolds in Seattle
>Given the choice between A1 and A2 for hollow and round plane irons, which should I choose and why? Would the same hold true for plough plane skates?
Molding Plane Blades
Posts
Re: Molding Plane Blades
#2Re: Molding Plane Blades
William Duffield, on the Cohansey
>Do you men O1 vs. A-2?
Are you looking at blades that are already manufactured, or are you planning to manufacture your own blades?
Re: Molding Plane Blades
#3Re: Molding Plane Blades
Doug Reynolds
>William: You are correct. I did mean O-1 and A-2. I guess one is air hardened and the other oil. I want to try my hand at plane making so, these would be home made.
Re: Molding Plane Blades
#4Re: Molding Plane Blades
William Duffield, on the Cohansey
>According to consensus of opinion, A-2 is supposed to hold an edge better than O1. That characteristic also makes it a bit more difficult to sharpen. A-2 steel stock is more expensive than O1, but both types are readily available fully annealed in many different sizes. The most important difference is that you can easily and inexpensively (for around $50) harden and temper your own O1 blades, in your own shop and kitchen, after you have cut them to size and ground them to shape, but not if you use A-2. A-2 requires much more closely controlled conditions than can be easily and inexpensively set up in typical small shops, so you have to find someone you can send the blades out to, to get them hardened. These shops usually have a minimum hardening charge, so to be economically practical, you might consider making a half set of hollows and rounds for starters :^) Some tool makers who make their own A-2 blades, and even much more exotic steels than A-2 and who post on this forum do send them out.
Re: Molding Plane Blades
#5Re: Molding Plane Blades
Chad Boehlke
>I use O-1 in the blacksmith shop becouse I like the way I can cut it. Besides a person who uses molders, gives the blade a quick sharp before its used to get that goooooood sharp lookng pprofile. So A-2 or O-1 will work.
Re: Molding Plane Blades
#6Couple of points
Jim Reed @Tallahassee
>First, congratulations on your decision. Making tools is a noble pursuit. As for steel, as has been discussed, 0-1 is the choice for home hobby enthusiasts. Make some prototypes and test them in the range of RC 50-62. You will find some hardness that works best for you. It may be hard to get a consistent product--I send mine out to professionals. Good luck.