So far the information i have read about, is the use of Vermiculite ,hardwood ashes ,, and lime.after reading about each ,i am still not sure witch is the way to go .any advise would be appreciated . thanks Jim
Use what you have or can get. Either will work. The idea is to cool the steel slowly. What kind of steel are you working with? Is it hardened? What are you trying to do with it and what methods /tools are you using? These answers will help get the info on the next steps.
Chris
+1 on the above advice. Until I finally went and picked up some vermiculite, I used clay kitty litter. Don't think it insulated as well as the vermiculite does, but it worked for me until I got some. Going with what you have available can get you working until you get something better. Good luck.
Jeremy