Blueing, browning, and case hardening steel at home.?

Question

I am wanting to learn how to blue, brown, and case harden steel at home. I understand the basics of these processes but am looking for step by step instructions and technical info. I have found several places to purchase info from and do not have a problem doing so, but I thought I would try to find some free info if I could. I cannot find a local gunsmith that is willing to teach me, can't really blame them either. I am learning to make custom bits and spurs at home and would like to use these proceses in this hobby. I am a Millwright/Machinest by trade and work at a power plant, so I have acess to tools and chemicals used in these processes. Any info or links to websites would be appreciated.

Thank You

Answer 1

The Machineries Handbook gives full details of the hardening process. If you are just making bits and spurs, you probably don't need any high tech furnaces. Just heat and quench using a hearth or blowtorch, then temper based on the surface coloration. If you truly need the highest possible strength, then accurate temperature control, hardness testing, salt baths and so forth are needed.