"Quick" Tempering Steel 

Applying A Fast Temper 

Getting a good "quick" temper on steel is not that complicated. The process that I am going to describe to you is tried and true. Twenty plus years in fab shops teaches you fast and reliable methods. I use plain, ordinary, tap water. It has been argued that water crystallizes the metal to a glass like state. I say, they did it wrong! 

I have used oil and water with equal results. The process involves heating the metal to a cherry red color, then plunging the metal into the cooling liquid. This is where I believe mistakes are made. I proceeded exactly as directed. After tempering, when I hit the punch with my hammer, it shattered like the living room window when I hit my first home run. A dangerous situation. 

• Try this method: 


• Gather your torch, cooling liquid, work piece and either gloves or pliers to hold the object. 
• Heat the object until it begins to turn a crimson red. You don't have to take it to the bright red condition. 
• Remove the heat source. Allow the metal to lose all signs of the red glow. (Rapid cooling of the cherry red metal will give you unwanted results! Try it for yourself.) 
• Plunge the metal into the cooling liquid and stir to keep flash boiling in check. The idea is to flash cool the metal! 

If you followed these directions, you now have a very hard workpiece. Granted, It is not Kasenite hard but, I have chipping hammers that can chop into steel. My center punches seem to last forever without mushrooming and all tempered with just plain tap water. You be the judge!