Subject: Re: Tool Steel- Seriously

From: [email-masked]
Date: Mon, 15 Jul 1996 09:38:26 -0400

In a message dated 96-07-13 11:43:07 EDT, you write:

>I have found that the first replacement for a lack of understanding 
>is witchcraft or magic or foo-foo dust. Somehow I think that we, the 
>original explorers in the dark world of Metallurgy, have forgotten 
>that Metallurgy is alive and well and has actually contributed to the 
>advancement of Blacksmithing.

I second this motion, and encourage Bill to continue his posts on the subject
of metallurgy.  There is no question that a basic (or advanced) knowledge of
metallurgy is a requisite for successful smithing using modern alloys, tools
& equipment.  While we are not making space shuttle parts here, we are using
space shuttle alloys in many cases.  When using advanced alloys, it is always
helpful to know how the ideal process  works and where we can cheat a little
safely without losing too much performance.  For those wanting the
performance, used thermostatically controlled ovens are not that hard to come
by.  Most of us will use a power hammer, a welder, or a torch, why not accept
20th century technology for the basic material of our stock in trade???

Pete Engle

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From: [email-masked] (MR WILLIAM A HOCHELLA)
Date: Sat, 13 Jul 1996 11:18:38, -0500

To All,
The great swordmakers of Damascus didn't know austenite from a hole 
in the ground. They probably had another name for it anyway. What 
they did was work with what they had and over the years developed a 
very sophisticated process. The "modern" scientific community took 
900 years to figure it out. It took them that long because the 
"scientists" thought that there was something magical about how they 
melted the steel. Some refrences I have refer to some strange leaves 
that were added to the meltas being the secret ingredient. In the end 
it was not the melting practice but the method in which the melt was 
solidified and forged. 
I have found that the first replacement for a lack of understanding 
is witchcraft or magic or foo-foo dust. Somehow I think that we, the 
original explorers in the dark world of Metallurgy, have forgotten 
that Metallurgy is alive and well and has actually contributed to the 
advancement of Blacksmithing. Nothing has pissed me off more in my 
industrial experience than the fight to the death defense of 
principles that have absolutely no basis in reality. I may be a 
little orthodox in my beliefs as far as what is the proper procedures 
to accomplish a task. I make no apologies for that. ( by the way, if 
I ding the end of a chisel and need to reharden it, I heat the end to 
cherry red, quench it in brine and watch for the right temper colors) 
I can get away with that. What I don't want anyone else to do is to 
think that is the only right way. If I can speak the truth about a 
process, I will do so. I don't care if anyone remembers that I said 
it, what I want them to remember is that there is a good, well 
thought out, rational reason for what is said. 
If something works that is a little off center, that is fine. What I 
want to do is present the central view. (without offending too many 
people.)

Hochewa

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From: [email-masked]
Date: Wed, 24 Jul 1996 18:57:36 -0400

In a message dated 96-07-13 11:43:07 EDT, you write:

> I may be a 
>to accomplish a task. I make no apologies for that. 

Bill Hochella,
I look forward to reading your comments, don't change a thing, and thanks for
your carefully thought out responses.  The witch that originally threw salt
into the slacktub probably did it to keep the water from freezing in the
winter, and had nothing to do with steam pockets on the hot metal. The fact
that you know both the how and why and are willing to share your knowledge
with the rest of us is to be applauded.
Thank you,
Mike Schermerhorn