Jack Rowe, Master Gunsmith Series, Turn Screw. Part 2 of 2.

Published on May 30, 2012
Duration: 9:04

This video demonstrates the advanced gunsmithing process of creating and tempering a turn screw tip. Master Gunsmith Jack Rowe details the steps involved in shaping the metal to fit precisely into a slot, emphasizing a gradual slope to prevent breakage. He then explains the critical heat-treating process, guiding viewers to achieve a specific purple temper color for optimal flexibility and durability in the turn screw tip, suitable for firearm applications.

Quick Summary

Gunsmithing a turn screw tip involves careful shaping with a gradual slope to prevent breakage, unlike sharp screwdriver bits. The critical step is heat treating to achieve a purple temper color, which balances hardness with flexibility, ensuring the tool is durable and foldable for firearm applications. Avoid over-tempering to light straw, which causes brittleness.

Chapters

  1. 00:11Smoothing and Shaping the Turn Screw Tip
  2. 00:41Final Shaping for Slot Fit
  3. 01:10Avoiding Screwdriver Bit Shape
  4. 02:39Fitting the Tip
  5. 02:46Attaching the Handle
  6. 05:26Preparing for Tempering
  7. 06:00Polishing and Initial Heating
  8. 06:20Understanding Tempering
  9. 06:30Heating Process for Tempering
  10. 06:46Targeting Purple Temper Color
  11. 07:00Avoiding Over-Hardening (Light Straw)
  12. 07:12Achieving Dark Straw and Beyond
  13. 07:23Final Tempering for Turn Screw (Purple)
  14. 07:34Quenching and Final Check
  15. 08:01Completed Turn Screw

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct shape for a turn screw tip to prevent breakage?

A turn screw tip should have a gradual, sloped shape rather than a sharp angle like a typical screwdriver bit. This design reduces stress points and prevents the tip from snapping off during use, especially when fitting into tight slots.

What is the ideal temper color for a gunsmithing turn screw?

For a turn screw used in gunsmithing, the ideal temper color is purple. This color indicates a balance of hardness and toughness, ensuring the tool is durable enough for its task while remaining foldable and less prone to breaking.

How does heat treating affect the durability of a turn screw?

Heat treating, specifically tempering, is crucial for a turn screw's durability. By heating the steel to specific temperatures and achieving colors like purple, you reduce brittleness after hardening, making the tool more resilient and less likely to fail under stress.

What are the risks of over-tempering a tool like a turn screw?

Over-tempering a tool like a turn screw, for example, by letting it reach a light straw color, makes the steel too hard and brittle. This significantly increases the risk of the tool's tip snapping off during use, rendering it useless and potentially dangerous.

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