Annealing question

[j2crows]

In my annealing setup I plan to use 2 torches facing each other. My question is...Since the case to be annealed will be receiving heat all around it, does it matter how fast the case is spun? My power driver has no speed control. It really doesn't speed really fast but, I think it's faster then it should, (Only because I've read not to spin the case very fast).

 

[Twmaster]

Speed should not matter. It's still getting an even amount of flame. I use one torch and it works just fine.

Heat till it turns blue, dump out of socket into can of water.

 

[dmazur]

I use one torch, too. However, temperature does matter...

I suggest this until you get a "handle" on how long it takes to get the indicator to show. Then you can probably do without it.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=360902

 

[Ridgerunner665]

The way I've always done it (25 years or so)...

I have a home made thing to hold the case being annealed in the drill (made from a socket), I never gave drill speed any thought...and I use one torch.

In a room with very dim light, turn on the drill and hold the case to the fire until "the instant" you see it begin to glow (turn red)...then dump it in water.

The dark room is necessary...otherwise, by the time you see it turning red...its too late, the case will be too soft. Brass doesn't harden when it hits the water...water only cools it. The only way to harden brass is to "work harden" it...and that is kinda hard to do if its buttery soft.

It takes just a little practice to get the rhythm down...but before you know it you'll have 100 or so cases ready.

 

[kelbro]

Why two torches?

 

[Missionary]

Good morning
If you are going to use 2 torches you really do not need to spin.
I use one torch with 20 brass standing in water about 1/3 deep. Dark room moving torch low-medium flame around the brass neck till the brass mouth tip just starts to be dull red. Then I tap the brass with the torch so it falls over in the water pan. Never lost any this way.
Tried once in a bright room with a 30-06 brass case and it got way too hot (forgot to close the curtain on the basement window). Fortunately I only did 5 to resize to 7.7 Jap... first two collapsed like and accordian.
Mike in Peru

 

[Walkalong]

I have always used one torch and had the cases sitting in a pan of water ready to tip over. Old school, but it works. I am sure the fancy wheels with two torches works great, but they are pricey as well. As posted, a dark room is better to see the case getting red, so you do not over do it.

 

[jmorris]

With two torches facing each other, you don't have to spin the case at all to get even annealing. How long to keep them there depends on how your torch is adjusted.

This video showes the correct amount. Flame never changes color, no glowing case head, can hold the base of the case by hand right after and uniform annealing.



In this video you can see the first sign of over cooking them, the flame will turn orange. At this point you need to speed up or turn your heat down.

 

[MEHavey]

- Use one (1) torch. Two torches are both unnecessary complication and expense.

- Spin the case in a spinner /deep socket at low setting (very low/couples of hundred RPM) on the cordless drill

- Do NOT rely on color, or color change. Get tempilaq and/or a temperature crayon
.. Hornady's kit uses 475ᵒF Tempilaq painted ¼" down the case body from the shoulder.
.. Others use slightly higher with no ill effect. (500ᵒF works perfectly to settle my necks down)
.. Consistancy is the key.

 

[j2crows]

Tempilaq should be here today. I have bunches of old firing range cases I have picked up in the past. So...I have been doing a lot of, "practice". So far I've practiced on about 50 old cases and I feel I'm getting the hang of it. Was going too use 2 torches because I thought the heat would be more even. I think this evening after the sun goes down I'll try it with just one torch. Thanks for the responses.