I am think of making my own tool steel as an experiment
does anyone know, if using a clay graphite curcible that the charge could
absorb carbon from the graphite in the crucible itself therby ending up
with more carbon in the steel than intended?

MTIA

George

George Watson wrote:

I am think of making my own tool steel as an experiment
does anyone know, if using a clay graphite curcible that the charge could
absorb carbon from the graphite in the crucible itself therby ending up
with more carbon in the steel than intended?


Yes, of course. So, you would want to use a silicon carbide
crucible, I suspect.

Jon

I suspect so too. In addition, the SIC crucible is more likely to withstand
the high temperature required. What do you plan to use as a heat source?

"Jon Elson" wrote in message
...


George Watson wrote:

I am think of making my own tool steel as an experiment
does anyone know, if using a clay graphite curcible that the charge could
absorb carbon from the graphite in the crucible itself therby ending up
with more carbon in the steel than intended?

Yes, of course. So, you would want to use a silicon carbide
crucible, I suspect.

Jon

"George Willer" wrote in message
...
I suspect so too. In addition, the SIC crucible is more likely to
withstand the high temperature required. What do you plan to use
as a heat source?

LOL, as a matter of fact, both silicon and carbon are soluble in iron.
Bad combination.

"Jon Elson" wrote in message
...
George Watson wrote:
I am think of making my own tool steel as an experiment
does anyone know, if using a clay graphite curcible that the charge
could absorb carbon from the graphite in the crucible itself

Carbon burns (or dissolves) out of the surface, leaving a clay layer that
holds the metal. Clay-graphite is recommended for steel, IIRC. Leave SiC
to handling nonferrous.

Tim

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