Metallurgy of Steel for Bladesmiths & Others who Heat Treat and Forge Steel

[Julie Coffey]

I was at the Tech Center today and my welding instructor handed me a copy of this book, saying he thought I could make better use of it then he would.

I know I've been slow getting started (sorry Ed) but I was surprised to find that Al Pendray and Howard Clark were both major contributors to it.

Ed, this is probably a stup## question but have you heard of this book?

Julie

[TexasJack]

For those with patience, here's a site where you can download the Adobe Acrobat version: Metallurgy

[Ed Caffrey]

I have this book. Its OK, but in my mind it gets too technical, with a lot of extraneous stuff built on theory, is presented as fact. The one truth that I have discovered through all these years of bladesmithing is that theory is fine, but sometimes the practicality of the theory is lost to those who wrote/endorsed it.

I'm not dogging the book, it presents some good information, however I get concerned when theory is presented as fact, without experience being added to the mix.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that my recommendation is to NOT base your actions on a book, or on the sole recommendation of one or two people. There is certainly a strong element of science involved in what we do, but the "art" by which that science is applied is the key.

[Julie Coffey]

Good insights Ed and thank you for that. I haven't had a chance to really go over it, my instructor passed it my way since I had just finished the module on metallurgy for welding and figured this tied in with my interests.

Instructors that actually care, who'd of thunk it?

J

[mete]

Not at all too technical for me but of course I'm a metallurgist ! Julie, read it and learn what you can. It will give you some understanding of what's going on when you beat the steel and cook it !

[rhrocker]

Not at all too technical for me but of course I'm a woodworker

(sorry Mete, just having fun)

[Ray Rogers]

Not too technical for me either......oh, wait....yes it is....

[Julie Coffey]

Guess I'm in good company then

[sdcb27]

Is not scientific theory repeatable observation of a event that allows one to predict future events?
I agree it is tough reading especially if someone isnt into metallugry and truelly finding out whats what but i learned a long time ago just becuase i dont understand it doesnt mean it isnt so.
I have found several areas from the book that i was researching on , exsperimented with and what a kawink##ini when followed the metalurgy properly the result was just as the books sa## they were to be. Just my 2 cents

[jjh]

Not too technical if you want technical try E C Bains Alloying Elements in Steel makes verhoevens look like a k##dies story!

[mete]

SDCB, for a start please spell it 'metallurgy' But I'm not a bad guy ,I promise not to give you that 3 hour test on the book !!

[sdcb27]

Mete, I believe you?ll see that I d##, I simply miss typed. That the only thing to take to task in this thread is my typing? It doesn?t surprise me. Also my name is Romey, feel free to use it or sdcb27, but its not SDCB either way. Bet you mistyped it, not to worry I wont give you a typing test.