Author Topic: Annealing cast brass  (Read 1185 times)

eddillon

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Annealing cast brass
« on: April 15, 2018, 01:57:05 AM »
Just received a fantastic set of castings from Ron Scott.  I know that there will be some bending and shaping to be done.  What is the best way to soften the castings for filing and bending?   I googled the subject.  One article said to heat to 450F in the kitchen oven?  Is that hot enough?  Other articles say to heat to dull red.  I am sure that that is hotter than 450F.  Any suggestions?

Offline rich pierce

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Re: Annealing cast brass
« Reply #1 on: April 15, 2018, 02:03:32 AM »
I heat to a dull red in a darkened room.  Very dull red; the beginning of visible light. Then quench in water or not.
Andover, Vermont

4570inMD

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Re: Annealing cast brass
« Reply #2 on: April 15, 2018, 05:28:09 AM »
Buy a small bottle of 750*F Tempilaq.

Put a dot of the fluid on the brass.  Heat the brass until the light green dot turns liquid & darkens.  Just a couple of seconds does it.

You are looking for 750*F + or - 50* (700-800).

For brass annealing, you do not need to quench.

Offline Ron Scott

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Re: Annealing cast brass
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2018, 05:20:21 PM »
Hi Ed,

In the past these type of parts from the Master Craft Foundry have been fairly malleable. I ask for soft yellow brass, but am uncertain what we really get. I would imagine that it is the trigger guard you are concerned with?