Posted by Arthur on Manhansack-aha-quash-awomack [67.84.143.155] on Monday, March 11, 2013 at 19:22:30 :
In Reply to: Just heat it up and let it cool posted by Bruce in BC [24.207.126.115] on Monday, March 11, 2013 at 19:17:13 :
Bruce is correct. The process of heating and then quickly quenching (cooling in liquid) adds "temper" to a metal. Heating and then cooling slowly, takes out the temper.
As an example in the old truck world, if you ever need to make a spring for a project, start with soft steel wire, form the spring by winding around a bolt, and then heat until glowing and quench.
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