I am think of making my own tool steel as an experiment does anyone know, if using a clay graphite curcible that the charge could absorb carbon from the graphite in the crucible itself therby ending up with more carbon in the steel than intended?
MTIA
George
Yes, of course. So, you would want to use a silicon carbide crucible, I suspect.
Jon
I suspect so too. In addition, the SIC crucible is more likely to withstand the high temperature required. What do you plan to use as a heat source?
LOL, as a matter of fact, both silicon and carbon are soluble in iron. Bad combination. :)
Carbon burns (or dissolves) out of the surface, leaving a clay layer that holds the metal. Clay-graphite is recommended for steel, IIRC. Leave SiC to handling nonferrous.
Tim
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