Abstract: The liquid quenching system includes a method and apparatus for heat treating small parts discharged from a furnace. The apparatus includes a bearing and bearing support that provide cantilevered support to a rotary quenching drum. A rotatable joint that rotatably connects the rotary quenching drum to a transfer chute does not provide the majority of support for the rotary quenching drum. Accordingly, the rotatable joint can comprise no bearing at all or can be an inexpensive, easy to manufacture bearing or other juncture device. A protection member is connected to the output end of the transfer chute and protects the rotatable joint from damage from contact with metal parts that are being quenched.