Texas SOT

How to: Black Finish on soft steel.

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  • Rating - 0%
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    Jan 5, 2012
    18,591
    96
    HK
    Exploring all things mechanical. I came across the below video. In the video it shows how to blacken' low carbon steel. He list a temperature of 300-400°C. That's 572-752°F.

    Fast forward to 5:30 mark for the demonstration. (He repeats the process on multiple parts.)

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    Last edited:

    SQLGeek

    Muh state lines
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    4   0   0
    Sep 22, 2017
    9,591
    96
    Richmond
    I saw that same process in his vise restoration video I watched last night. His videos make me want to buy lots of tools.
     
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Jan 5, 2012
    18,591
    96
    HK
    I tried the black finish on a small metal bracket that hold a reflector. Low carbon steel.

    I set up a propane torch on the grill. Tuna can and olive oil. Using a Fluke 568 IR Thermometer, heated it up to about 500-600°F. Placed in the oil.

    It didn't take. I sanded and cleaned it fairly well. It took a smokey looking patina. The darkest part was the side that made first contact with the oil. I tried twice and the same results both times.

    I'm guessing it needs to be hotter. Pushing at least 700° before it go's to the oil.

    Ill try it again on something else. I gave up and painted the bracket.
     

    TheDan

    deplorable malcontent scofflaw
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    8   0   0
    Nov 11, 2008
    27,557
    96
    Austin - Rockdale
    I tried the black finish on a small metal bracket that hold a reflector. Low carbon steel.

    I set up a propane torch on the grill. Tuna can and olive oil. Using a Fluke 568 IR Thermometer, heated it up to about 500-600°F. Placed in the oil.

    It didn't take. I sanded and cleaned it fairly well. It took a smokey looking patina. The darkest part was the side that made first contact with the oil. I tried twice and the same results both times.

    I'm guessing it needs to be hotter. Pushing at least 700° before it go's to the oil.

    Ill try it again on something else. I gave up and painted the bracket.
    700° would be too hot. Try rubbing boiled linseed oil on it around 500°. Dunking doesn't work as good as rubbing. Might have to reheat and apply a few coats to get it where you want it.
     
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