Annealing

[atmoshpere]

When I switched to using MAP gas for annealing I used a bunch of brass that I had originally culled during case inspection to calibrate my timing in the hotter flame. I found that after ~4 seconds the job was done and I had a nice bluish band below the shoulder. When I switched over to my working brass, which had just been cleaned/tumbled I noticed that I did NOT see the dramatic (or even noticeable for that matter) blue discoloration. Obviously the job was still being done, but there was a marked difference visually between the older case and the freshly cleaned case.

Perhaps the level of surface oxidation on the case affects the color change during annealing?

I guess I just wanted to mention that if you're new to annealing and plan on using a visual indicator to determine completion, make sure that your test brass and working brass are in the same condition. I would strongly recommend using a temperature indicator to calibrate your process.

 

[SJB358]

I tend to lower the light in the room I am annealing in, as soon as I see the neck start to glow a little red, I drop it. Might not be scientific or technically correct, but it works and it is very quick when you get rolling.

 

[pre6422hornet]

I second that process Scotty. It works great for me and the annealing is very uniform.

 

[DrMike]

I tend to lower the light in the room I am annealing in, as soon as I see the neck start to glow a little red, I drop it. Might not be scientific or technically correct, but it works and it is very quick when you get rolling.

It is difficult to improve on a trained eye.