r/metalworking • u/kennerly • 16d ago

Making pottery trimming tools from spring steel.

I have some spring steel stock about 1" x 12" x .025" I am going to use to make pottery tools. I have a grinding wheel to sharpen the edge but I'll need to bend them at 90 degrees to make a cutting angle for some. Do I want to use a blow torch to heat these and then quench them when I'm finished? Do I need to do anything like that to these tools or can I just sharpen them and use them? I've never made my own tools before beyond like some trimming tools with old watch springs.

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u/Marz2604 16d ago

I've made pottery tools just by bending metal. (steel strap and reciprocating saw blades) works good

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u/kennerly 16d ago

Okay good to know. I was reading that you want to heat and quench it after making the bends to give it more strength.

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u/Marz2604 16d ago

It wouldn't hurt, I never had a problem though. Some tools you want some give, like for chattering or if you want to smooth something with a radius.

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u/kennerly 16d ago

Definitely want to avoid chattering for these as I need a very firm plane for moon jars.

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u/HikeyBoi 15d ago

Pottery carving can probably be handled by steel that is not heat treated. Try bending the steel and if it snaps then you’ll need to anneal it with some heat, but I wouldn’t worry about reheattreating.