O1 Quench

[Bob Hartman]

I got tired of my tiny file guide. I wanted some thing that I can lay my file on in both directions, and not fall off. I took some 1" X 1-1/2" O1 bar I had laying around cut it to 5", and drilled some bolt, and guide holes. Now I need to heat treat it, and I've never done anything nearly this thick. I'm familiar with heating O1, but the quench has me worried.
I'll be using two gallons of mineral oil at 140 drgrees for the quench. Is that enough volume for such a heavy piece? How long should it stay in the qeunch? I'm afraid of pulling it too soon, and have the enternal heat re-anneal it. I guess it won't hurt to leave it in there for a while. Maybe I'm worried over nothing.
Also, do you think that filling the holes with something like woodstove caulk would keep scale from forming in the holes?
Thanks,
Bob

[WBE]

I would suggest the oil at around 125?, to 130? That is what most steel producers recommend for 01. Since 01 is deep hardening, I wouldn't worry too much about the in quench time, but you could certainly leave it in until you can handle it bare handed. I don't think you will have a problem.