[Fot] metalurgy question

[Robert M. Lang]

Hi,

I'm fettling a Falcon SS header for one of my TR6's. The installation 
pretty much requires that you make some reliefs in the downpipe so that 
you can install the hold-downs. No surprises there.

Now, although I've been using an oxy-acetylene torch for 15 years, I've 
never actually trained on it's use, so I'm on new ground owing to the 
material - 304 stainless.

I heated the tube area where it's to be relieved so that it's bright red. 
I then hammered the tube with various types of hammers to get the general 
shape I want. Again, no big deal.

The issue / question is: when the tube cools down, it has a fairly rough 
texture to it. It's sort of grey-ish. I'm thinking that I may have 
overheated the surface and / or had the flame a tad (or extremely) on the 
"oxidizing" side if things. So, assuming that I was closer to "welding" 
than just reshaping, is it possible to bring the surface back to something 
that looks like tubing from the tube factory or should I just leave well 
enough alone?

The eventual goal is to ceramic coat the header, if that has an bearing on 
the topic.

regards,
rml
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Bob Lang              Triumph TR6!!            |  This space for rent
Former NER Solo Chair                          |
Voice:617-253-7438                             |  Cell: 339-927-4489
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