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Spon's Color Table for Tempering

Spon's Table, first published in 1904, is a color guide to the range of proper temperatures needed for various tools. While it is useful as a general starting point, the smith is cautioned that the color indicators may vary considerably between different types of iron.

How to use Spon's Table

Subsequent to hardening, a small area of the iron at the point to be tempered should be dull filed so as to remove the surface waste. The dull filed area when clean will be silver in appearance. The piece is then inserted into the fire and brought slowly up to the temperature desired. The bright steel will turn first a very pale straw yellow and will slowly turn to blue as the heat rises. When the correct temperature is reached, the piece is removed and quenched. When quenching a blade instrument the piece should be inserted along the edge of the blade rather than the tip. All pieces should be rapidly moved about in the quench to prevent the formation of air bubbles against the surface of the cooling metal.