Ken:
JUST A SHORT OVERVIEW:
1. First you have to anneal the part/parts packed tightly in your crucible, preferably in an adjustable fixture with bone & charcoal. You must anneal the parts at the 'critical temperature' and then let the furnace "cool down" at it's own rate without opening the door, usually at least a 24-36 hour cool down period. A natural 'cooling period' is critical IMO.
2. The better the surface condition, the better the results.
3. A high carbon steel wire wheel at slow speeds works well and shines up the parts quite nicely. Many folks bead blast instead of the wire wheel.
4. Then polish to a "mirror finish" with any of the numerous compounds available at most hardware stores.
5. Then clean to a spotless condition, removing all fingerprints and any other impurities on the surface of the parts. Acetone works well as do several other powerful cleaners such as Berryman's Carb Cleaner.
6. Re-pack in your crucible/fixture with bone and charcoal 70/30 or 60/40 etc. and fire with your furnace set to hold the temperature for 2 hours.
7. Quench.........
****8. Read and prepare for CCH if you are a beginner. Use test junk parts if you are a beginner. There are NO short cuts, each step is critical for good work.
****There is a lot written about CCH and I suggest you read everything you can.
I INTENTIONALLY DID NOT MENTION SPECIFIC TEMPERATURES, AS THIS IS A HIGHLY DEBATABLE TOPIC AND PROPRIETARY WITH MOST PEOPLE WHO CCH. AFTER STUDYING PUBLISHED PAPERS AND BOOKS YOU WILL READ WHAT IS RECOMMENDED BY SUCCESSFUL CCH SMITHS. EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN SET OF STANDARDS WHICH HAVE PROVEN SUCCESSFUL FOR THEM.
JUST ABOUT ALL OF THE THREADS ON THIS BOARD END UP "A BIG ARGUMENT" WITH LOT'S OF PEOPLE WHO "HAVE NEVER" DONE ANY CCH THROWING IN THEIR TWO CENTS WORTH.....THEREFORE IT IS COUNTER PRODUCTIVE TO PASTE ANY OF THOSE THREADS UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE CONFUSED.
Best Regards,
