George, I've run into a snag...

**Mike Irwin** · April 21, 2002, 08:15 PM

I'm attempting to recase harden the sear seat on the hammer for an S&W Model 29. I had to recut the sear seat after some jackass attacked it with a file in an attempt to lighten the trigger pull. You can imagine what happened to it -- the hammer pushes off.

Well, I've got the seat recut, have good engagement, no push off, etc., but now that I'm attempting to reharden it, I can't get it hot enough to take the Casenit!

I'm using a propane torch with two heat sinks made from flexible copper tubing, which I've cut with fins, all held with an old pair of channel locks. I'm holding the heat sinks about mid-line through the line drawn between the pivot hole and the hole for the stirrup pin.

Any suggestions? Move/remove 1 or both of the heat sinks and just use the channel locks?

I'm afraid of changing the color too much on the rest of the hammer, or softening it.

UK2TX · April 21, 2002, 10:20 PM

Hello Mike,

Try using MAPP gas instead of propane, it burns hotter (2927 °C).
You can pick MAPP setups in most home improvement stores.

Don't use a MAPP bottle in a propane head, they look like they will fit but the don't.

Regards,

UK2TX

Edited to add warning about torchheads

George Stringer · April 22, 2002, 05:39 AM

Mike, put the hammer in water with just the area you want to heat treat exposed. If you have one I'd use an acetelyne torch to heat it. Propane will take a while. George

**Mike Irwin** · April 22, 2002, 10:35 AM

George,

Waterbath! DUH! I guess that's why you're the gunsmith and I'm the freaking hack with the propane torch.

Shallow baking pan and a set of vice grips to hold the piece should work.

I don't have an oxy-ac set up, nor do I know anyone who has one where I'm at now. Were I still at NRA? No problem.

Where I grew up? Everyone had them. I think UK2TX's idea about getting a MAPP torch is the way to go.

UK2,

Thanks for the idea about the MAPP torch. I'm going to see if I can borrow one, but if I can't, I've had use for them in the past, so maybe it's time to invest ine one...

**Mike Irwin** · April 22, 2002, 11:57 AM

Wow, MAPP gas torches are cheap, under $30. I'm going to get one.

April 21, 2002, 08:15 PM	#1
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	George, I've run into a snag... I'm attempting to recase harden the sear seat on the hammer for an S&W Model 29. I had to recut the sear seat after some jackass attacked it with a file in an attempt to lighten the trigger pull. You can imagine what happened to it -- the hammer pushes off. Well, I've got the seat recut, have good engagement, no push off, etc., but now that I'm attempting to reharden it, I can't get it hot enough to take the Casenit! I'm using a propane torch with two heat sinks made from flexible copper tubing, which I've cut with fins, all held with an old pair of channel locks. I'm holding the heat sinks about mid-line through the line drawn between the pivot hole and the hole for the stirrup pin. Any suggestions? Move/remove 1 or both of the heat sinks and just use the channel locks? I'm afraid of changing the color too much on the rest of the hammer, or softening it. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

April 22, 2002, 10:35 AM	#4
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	George, Waterbath! DUH! I guess that's why you're the gunsmith and I'm the freaking hack with the propane torch. Shallow baking pan and a set of vice grips to hold the piece should work. I don't have an oxy-ac set up, nor do I know anyone who has one where I'm at now. Were I still at NRA? No problem. Where I grew up? Everyone had them. I think UK2TX's idea about getting a MAPP torch is the way to go. UK2, Thanks for the idea about the MAPP torch. I'm going to see if I can borrow one, but if I can't, I've had use for them in the past, so maybe it's time to invest ine one... __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

April 22, 2002, 11:57 AM	#5
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	Wow, MAPP gas torches are cheap, under $30. I'm going to get one. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

April 21, 2002, 10:20 PM	#2
UK2TX Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Austin,TX Posts: 274	Hello Mike, Try using MAPP gas instead of propane, it burns hotter (2927 °C). You can pick MAPP setups in most home improvement stores. Don't use a MAPP bottle in a propane head, they look like they will fit but the don't. Regards, UK2TX Edited to add warning about torchheads

April 22, 2002, 05:39 AM	#3
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	Mike, put the hammer in water with just the area you want to heat treat exposed. If you have one I'd use an acetelyne torch to heat it. Propane will take a while. George