I got a little done on my new project to make a leaf spring knife. This will be a slow process so look back at the post and I will try and progress as soon as possible. Keep in mind I work fulltime and am raising a little girl. She graduates kindergarten today. I took the day off to treat her to icecream.
First I placed the precut pc. of leaf sring into a hardwood fire. The object here is to draw the hardened metal back to a more workable state. You need to reach 800 deg. F min. to accomplish this. Afterwards use a file, hacksaw, etc.' try and score the surface of the metal. The file and or saw should bite readily into the material. If the tool just rides on the surface then 800 deg. was probably not acheived.
Next you want to remove the scale from the metal. This stuff is rediculously hard to get off. I began by using 36 grit on a high speed angle grinder. Still it was tough to remove. You can use a rock wheel on the grinder to lightly score the scale and it becomes easier to remove with the 36 grit sanding wheel or a 10/1 solution of water/Hydrochloric acid is easier on the elbows, soak for one hour or until it loosens, use a rag or brush to remove after soaking. I didn't have hydrochloric on hand so at this point I still have more to remove. I will try and get back on this later today. Looks like I could use some tips on sharing my photos on here, any advice?
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