Ernie:
Back again with a metal working question, this time about a chisel. If the file uploading utility worked as hoped, you will see a picture of three socket chisels I recently picked up. The smallest is 1/8″, and done in pig-sticker style–presumably because hat is about the only way to make such a narrow chisel. However, it is bowed, probably because somebody whacked it too hard or pried something up with it.
I am not sure that straightness is real critical with that particular chisel as all I can think of to use it for is clean-up. However, it bugs me. Presumably, it needs to be heated to be safely straightened? How would you go about it in terms of process, colors, etc?
Once straightened, I presume it will have to be tempered and annealed according to the directions you give in another thread?
Cheers!
Joe
Replies
What you have is a set of sash maker's mortise chisels. They are sometimes called a millwright's mortise chisel. This set was abused judging from the pounding on one of the sockets. If made correctly they would not be quite as hard as a bench chisel. Approximately Rockwell C 55 rather than 60 or so. This means you could probably bend them a bit as is without breaking. That being said annealing is the safest way with a re-temper to deep blue per my directions the safest path. The most gentle way to straighten is to place on two wood blocks and the far extent of the curve. place a block on the other side half way between and gently squeeze in a vice. You can build a jig on a scrap of plywood to do this.
A good way to anneal a large piece like this is to place it in a blazing fireplace fire. Once red flip it into the ashes with a poker and let the fire burn out. Like a Phoenix it will fly up from the ashes and after straightening, hardening and tempering to blue sing again.
With best regards,
Ernie Conover
Thanks, I'll wait until fireplace season (it is 95 here right now) and give it a shot. Should be fun.
Joe
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