Re hardening air chisels

[Rookie]

I know it's not a knife, but it's the same idea...

How do you re harden air chisel bits? After multiple uses, sharpening, etc, they don't hold up like new chisels. Can they be re hardened to last longer?

 

[patience0830]

I know it's not a knife, but it's the same idea...

How do you re harden air chisel bits? After multiple uses, sharpening, etc, they don't hold up like new chisels. Can they be re hardened to last longer?

Probably, but I'd be leery of it for fear I'd make them brittle and prone to shatter. You need a metallurgy site.

 

[Frosty]

How you should harden and temper them will really depend on the type of metal they are forged from. If it’s basic carbon steel, 1075/1080, you can just heat it to just past critical, then quench in canola oil. Temper at 400 degrees, 2 hours, allow to cool to air temperature, then another 1 1/2-2 hours at 400 degrees.

 

[KokomoDave]

I agree on knowing what steel. Usually quality chisels will be made out of an impact designed tool steel like Titus Endura steel which is superior to normal mild steel which is sometimes used for economical reasons.

A properly applied surfacing weld is another thought. My best bud at Tipton County Welding and Fab might be able to help. 765-271-1020. His name is Jefferson.