Tool-Steel is a concise handbook on the composition and classification of tool-steel and its treatment in forging, annealing, hardening, and tempering, along with the appliances used at each stage of the work.
First published in 1902, Otto Thallner classifies tool-steel by composition, hardness, and intended purpose, and shows how to judge it from its external appearance and the structure of its fracture in both hardened and non-hardened states. He then turns to the fire-treatment of steel and the appliances for annealing and hardening, covering the full and partial hardening of tools, cooling devices, quenching liquids, tempering, and straightening. Later chapters deal with case-hardening, guarding against surface decarbonisation and overheating, welding, regenerating steel spoiled in the fire, investigating defects in hardened tools, and improving the strength of steel.
Profusely illustrated and full of useful information, Tool-Steel will be of considerable value to anyone with an interest in metalwork and the manufacture of steel.