Stanley Knife Blades

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

On occasion, I've used old Stanley knife blades to make filing guides and gauges. After annealing on the gas cooker, they can be filed and drilled with ease.

I've enclosed some pictures of 2 pieces temp riveted either side of 6 x 2mm brass flat for filing.

My question is, does anyone know if they are a simple high-carbon steel or something more exotic? Can I harden and temper them?

Also, does any one know of any other frugal sources for flat high carbon steel? Preferably something a bit bigger and thicker than Stanley?

Cheers

Steve

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

That's a good idea.

How about 'disposable' hand saws as now standard on building sites.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

If you can anneal them like that, you should also be able to harden them.

I like the Wickes bi-metal ones, cheap and they keep an edge longer, even on carpet.

[Bob StevensonParticipant @bobstevenson13909]

The trouble with a lot of this stuff is that it's now made from laminated steel and intended for throw-away when blunt. This has now extended to the cheap panel saws available from Wickes and similar….they cut really well but cannot be properly re-sharpened more than just alight 'touch-up' before the softer steel core is reached.

It is possible to buy 'ground flat stock', or 'guage plate' in quite thin section and I have some that is only about 1mm thick. Another good source of carbon steel is in old circular saw blades (without brazed in teeth/cutters) These can be cut using a small angle grinder with suitable disc, or a dremel and disc, and the pieces then annealed if neccessary. Remeber that the pieces WILL be softened at the cuts if the metal changes colour..this can avoided by frequent dipping in cold water during cutting.

[steveteeParticipant @stevetee]

Leaf spring off an old car , next to nothing at a scrap yard.

Edited By stevetee on 19/05/2017 19:20:45

[clogsParticipant @clogs]

Steve tee,

the only thing I get cheap from the scrap yard is oily muddy boot's…….hahaha….clogs

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