Crown, Hope M2 Cryo 1-1/4" Spindle Roughing Gouge with 1/2" Bar

Crown, Hope M2 Cryo 1-1/4" Spindle Roughing Gouge with 1/2" Bar

These tang tools are securely fixed into a 16 mm round bar using a special metal liquid that holds them firmly in place. They can be used with either the red quick-release head or a 16.5 mm grub screw handle.

It has long been understood that by subjecting metal tools to elevated temperatures and then rapidly cooling them, we can alter their properties. This process alters the metal's crystal structure, affecting its performance during use. The two main crystal forms in tooling steel are austenite, which is larger and softer, and martensite, which is smaller and more stable.

Through heat treatment, we aim to transform austenite into martensite, creating steel with excellent wear resistance and some ductility. When paired with a high-quality heat treatment, the cryogenic process significantly enhances the transformation of austenite into martensite. At extreme temperatures of -301°F (-185°C), fine 'eta' carbides form within the carbon structure. These 'eta' carbides grow very slowly and only at these low temperatures, making them exceptionally small. They act as a filler between the other crystals in the metal.

The combined effects of cryogenic processing result in a refined crystal structure in your hand tool, providing durability that lasts a lifetime. This produces a blade that retains its edge longer and offers a superior feel during use.