Tempering 6150

[Rocket_Jason]

Hi Y'all-

I will be heat treating a bowie of 6150 tonight. I figured that I would heat the steel up to non-magnetic and then soak in the heat for 20 seconds or so before quenching. This is pretty standard for most steels in my understanding.

But what I don't know is the time/temp figures for tempering the blade. Could someone point me in the right direction?

thanks!
-jason

[Jamey Saunders]

From Anvilfire, posted by Quenchcrack:

5160

Anneal at 1525?F then cool rapidly to 1300?F and cool to 1200?F at no more than 20?F/h for 5 hours.

To harden heat to 1525?F and quench in oil. Temper as needed (minimum of 350?F).

Austempering at 1550?F and quench in a salt bath at 600?F and hold for 1 hr. Cool in air, no further tempering is needed.

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According to the Bethlehem book "Modern Steels - Handbook 3310" the following are APPROXIMATE Rockwell C hardnesses of oil quenched 5160 for various tempering temperatures:

SAE 5160
Temperature Hardness Temperature Hardness
400?F 59 Rc 900?F 42 Rc
500?F 57 Rc 1000?F 37 Rc
600?F 54 Rc 1100?F 32 Rc
700?F 52 Rc 1200?F 28 Rc
800?F 49 Rc 1300?F 20 Rc

[mete]

Jamie, he asked for 6150 not 5160 Easy mistake ,I've done it too !!.Curie temperature [nonmagnetic point] is 1414F. Typical hardening temperature of 6150 is 1550F. I would soak for 2-5 minutes. Temper 400F ,2 hours. .....They are comparable steels .. IIRC our bayonets were at one time made from 6150.

[Rocket_Jason]

Thanks for the reply guys. I'll give it a whirl!