How to Make High Tempered Steel

Making High Tempered Steel

Making high tempered steel can be a challenging, but rewarding experience. Many people design items such as knives or artwork from steel and temper them to make them less vulnerable to damage. In order to make high tempered steel, the steel must be brought to high temperatures and infused with carbon. The carbon atoms penetrate the steel, going in between other atoms and fusing into a stronger metal. Following the high heat, the metal is placed in a quenching pool for cooling.

Things You'll Need

• Type 1095 Carbon steel, .05 inch thick
• Vise grip
• Power jigsaw
• Tin can
• Screwdriver
• 2 Metal buckets (1 large, 1 small)
• Damp dirt
• 2" Piece of wood
• Small torch
• 1 Bottle of motor oil
• Farrier's tongs

Instructions

1. Lock the metal down securely with a vise grip and shape it into whatever shape you would like using a power jigsaw. File the metal to the desired smoothness, as it will not be possible after tempering.

2. Open the top of a tin can and force the screwdriver into the side to poke a hole approximately one inch large near the bottom. Place the can on an upside down large metal bucket.

3. Fill the can halfway with damp dirt. Shove a two inch piece of wood into the dirt. Push the wood down so the dirt spreads up along the sides of the can. Remove the wood to leave a tall clear area in the center of the can. Push the screwdriver through the hole on the side of the can and remove the dirt in the hole. Leave the dirt to harden.

4. Place the motor oil into the smaller bucket and place near the bucket and can. Light the small torch and place it inside the hole near the bottom of the can. Wait for a few minutes while the area inside the can gets hot.

5. Put the metal inside the can using Farrier's tongs and allow to heat up. This should take three to five minutes. Once the metal is red hot, remove from the heat and immediately place in the bucket of motor oil. Make sure the entire piece of metal is submerged. Cracking will occur if this is not done immediately. Remove the metal piece and set to cool.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a well-ventilated area to temper the steel. Do not use water to quench the metal as this can lead to cracking.

Resources

• Hardening and Tempering
• Tempering