I need to make and harden some small sleeves,
OD about 1/4", ID about 3/16", length about
1/2". I'd like the parts to be hard enough
to make a file skip on them, but not glass-
hard.

Given that the only heat treating equipment
I have is a MAP and oxy/ace torch, what material
would you recommend.


I've had good luck using drill rod stock in
the past.

On Tue, 11 Sep 2007 09:27:02 -0700, Jim Stewart
wrote:

I need to make and harden some small sleeves,
OD about 1/4", ID about 3/16", length about
1/2". I'd like the parts to be hard enough
to make a file skip on them, but not glass-
hard.

Given that the only heat treating equipment
I have is a MAP and oxy/ace torch, what material
would you recommend.


I've had good luck using drill rod stock in
the past.

O-1 is relatively non-fussy and easy to torch harden. Test for
transition temperature with a magnet, quench in light oil and temper
in the kitchen oven at 375F.

Or you can buy drill bushings all done for $5-6 each, though you may
have to live with a slightly heavier wall.

--
Ned Simmons

Jim Stewart wrote:

I need to make and harden some small sleeves,
OD about 1/4", ID about 3/16", length about
1/2". I'd like the parts to be hard enough
to make a file skip on them, but not glass-
hard.

CRS and Kasenite is an option if you have Kasenite on hand. Buying air
hardening steel in 1/4" is likely cheaper and easier in this case though.

Wes

Ned Simmons wrote:

Or you can buy drill bushings all done for $5-6 each, though you may
have to live with a slightly heavier wall.

The bushing is machineable with carbide on a decent lathe. I've used drill
bushings for other purposes over the years.

Wes