Dude!
Nobody said they wanted to bounce you (just that the moderators will probably give you the same advice), and I am not questioning your expertise. I just disagree with your assesment about ATF as a quenching medium. This type of disagreement is quite typical when discussing quenchents. Some of the most heated (forgive the pun) discussions I have seen on bladesmithing forums is the debate over various types of quenchants. I agree fully that 5160 needs an oil quench and not a brine or water quench. Your various steel types need the proper quenching medium for their design type. Oil hardening steels (such as 5160, 01, etc.) need an oil based quench, water hardening steels need a water or brine quench, air hardening steels (such as various stainless steels) need to be allowed to just cool in the air. I just disagree about whether or not ATF is good for use as a quench. I have made dozens of knives and a couple of swords from 5160 quenched in ATF and had good results. I was told that ATF is alright to use by both Jay Hendrickson and Jerry Fisk, both master bladesmiths when I took classes from them many years ago. I agree that some oils are better than others, and that not all oils are created equal and that while there may be better quenching mediums than ATF, such as the mineral oil you suggested, I just happen to disagree with this one thing based upon my own readings and experience. Thanks for your advice, and your opinion. If I was doing bladesmithing as a living and not as a hobby, I would probably invest in a high end commercial quenching oil, but for what I currently do the ATF is easily availible in my small town and doesn't cost me a fortune to replace it.
As for your other advice, I said I agree with you and it was good advice. I also agree that old springs can be filled with cracks just waiting to come out, but it is a good place to start to see if you want to pursue bladesmithing. I personally buy hot rolled 5160 from admiral steel for my own work. When I get my new gas forge completed (been arguing with the burner) so I can get away from time consuming coal, I plan on getting back into the occasional pattern welded blade as well.
Welcome to the forum. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />
Brian Hunt
GFS
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