Annealing Brass

[wvmtnman]

I need to stretch a buttplate a little over 1/16 on both sides.
    What is the best method for doing this?  Heat and quench in room temperature water?
       Thabks in advance, Brian

[HSmithTX]

Just heat dull red and let it sit,  when it stops moving easily do it again. 

[Randall Steffy]

If you have yellow brass, the annealing is effective, satisfying, and requires no quench. If you have some cast bronze or other unknown alloy, be aware. Annealing will not help and you will likely crack your casting as you try to move it. Just a warning. Yellow brass files easily while the file skates on the other.

[P.W.Berkuta]

Do as HSmithTX recommends. You can quench in water but run the risk of some warpage. You will have to anneal more than once to prevent cracking and don't hit it too hard all at once use light taps just enough to move the metal a little at a time. You will get the feel for it. Good luck.