Problem with color case hardening

Pinenut57

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For the last 10 years I've used basically the same mix ratio of bone to wood charcoal depending on the customer requests. Now for some reason I get no color regardless of ratio. Each piece is annealed cleaned, and degreased. Just looking for some ideas as to why. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.
 
All the receipies that I have seen require the use of cyanide----
 
IMG_20141023_203724576.jpg
All the receipies that I have seen require the use of cyanide----
I've never used cyanide and these are just a sample of the color I was getting. Now I get grey.
 

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has your source for the quench water changed? the grey color would, to me anyways, indicate your getting a higher than anticipated heat?
is your temp controler ( if you use one ? ) calibrated ??

Respect Always
Metalshaper/Jonathan
 
We're on city water so the source is the same but have wondered about the chemicals they put in it. As for Temp I use a PID controller but have never verified the temp. I was getting good color at 1400 degrees. I will try setting my temp lower and see what I get.
Thank you for the reply, you've given me some other things to consider. I'll let yo know what I find out.
 
Thank you Metalshaper, you were right on the money about the temp. I forgot I had changed the PID controller so I must of been getting higher temps than before. I dropped from an indicated 1400 to 1300 and got some beautiful color. Thanks again.
 
Yeah!!! :applause 2:

at least I was able to help!! I'd keep an eye on the thermocouple, it might be wandering a bit?? but if your getting
colors, Good on Ya' !!

Respect Always
Metalshaper/Jonathan
 
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