Stop annealing mild steel like it's high carbon

I keep watching guys in the shop heat up 1018 to cherry red and let it cool slow for drilling. That's a huge waste of time and gas. Mild steel doesn't harden enough to need annealing, just drill it cold with a sharp bit and some oil. I saw a guy waste 20 minutes on a 1/2 inch plate in Pittsburgh last week. Has anyone else noticed this habit from new smiths?

1 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In

1 Comment

skyler_kim1mo ago

Grab some 3-in-1 oil and a fresh bit, then just send it. Half the time people are overthinking 1018 and burning through shop time for nothing. Seen it a dozen times, slow heat and waiting is for tool steel, not this stuff.

6