I am brand new to this. I want to get pieces of steel 1/32" x 7/8" x 7" that is unheated so I can bend it and then heat it. I wanted to use the black oxide to protect it.

Do you use the black oxide after bending and heating and the shape is finished?

I am still reading about the steel, but it seems you purchase it unheated, then bend to shape and drill as needed and then heat it, which is guess is tempering it.

Thanks for the help.

Craig