Spark Test Photo

opaul

opaul

Well-Known Member
I was looking a some videos that show how to determine (guesstimate) the carbon content of steel performing a spark test. This is a photo I took of testing some steel. As best I can determine it is medium to high carbon, anyone else performed this test or care to share your opinion? Thanks.
 
I'll be interested to see other comments on this, but I'd agree with you on the medium to high carbon- the sparks seem to have that "star burst" at the end as we've read it should do. Your photo shows it much better than what I can normally see when grinding and looking to see the sparks.
 
Thanks KenH! The steel hardened as evidenced in the file skate test. I really like working with old implement steel, which is what this piece was. BTW, I thought the photo came out pretty good as well!
 
Yesterday I had an 'Aha' moment and compared it to the sparks coming off 1084 stock I had and it was very similar.
 
It looks like it would be at least medium range carbon. I'm not sure its at the higher end range. The color and closeness of the 'bursts' makes me conclude that its not in the higher range....BUT.....there are most certainly variables, even in the photo taking process.

Here's a few pics of some 1095 sparks for comparison. Note the really tight bundled sparks and firework bursts at the ends of the showers.
Capture+_2018-02-06-11-33-05.png Capture+_2018-02-06-11-34-28.png
 
There could be some variables in the type of grinder/abrasive used as well as pressure.

Your steel does appear to have a decent amount of carbon.
 
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