Possible to under-anneal brass? Potential problems?

[beepar]

Hi guys,

I'd like to give some basic annealing a go.

Just with a hand gas torch on a few casings, nothing fancy.

Is it possible to under anneal brass? Does heating it some, but not enough to soften it cause any problems that make is unusable?

Just after a little advice to avoid doing anything stupid.

Thanks.

[Weepy]

Short answer, no.

If you heat it mildly, you just warm the metal. There is no change to it metallurgically like softening it when heated to an appropriate temperature.

[Norton]

Nah.

There is nothing, annealed and butter (useless brass).

Anywhere up to the last state and you're ok.

[Monty]

They sell annealing thermometers and also a pain like nail polish which you paint on your brass and it shows when the temperature is correct, and to stop heating it.

Look up 'Tempilstil'.

[on_one_wheel]

Tempilstiks and Thermomelt are 2 brands you might find, When the stick melts, the precise temperature is reached, so they may be a bit fiddely in this aplication. I'm yet to see the paint on stuff but it sounds more practicle for this.

To properly anneal brass, the temperature needs to be at 650 degrees F

I rotate mine in a small deep socket ( about a 1/2 " - 1/4 drive ) in the cordless drill at low speed with the neck and shoulder sticking out, in a dark room and hold the flame ( i use a LPG torch ) on them untill I can see a very faint glow then dunk them into a deep bucket of water to prevent the heat soaking into the rest of the case.

Also the small electric lead melting pots for bullet casting hold the perfict tempture for annealing brass, just dip the neck in up to where you want it annealed and give it 10 to 15 seconds.

[Lorgar]

When the stick melts, the precise temperature is reached, so they may be a bit fiddely in this aplication. I'm yet to see the paint on stuff but it sounds more practicle for this.

How tough is it to get off the brass after if it's melted all over it?

Sounds like a pain in the ass?

[on_one_wheel]

on a big work piece that takes quite some time to bring up to temptre, and won't loose much heat when the flame is removed to hold the wax to it, it would work well.... I personally wouldn't bother with brass shells.

[Harper]

It's wax, hey?

Must be some serious wax to hold up to 650 F for annealing.

[on_one_wheel]

Here we go, this is the paint on stuff for anealing brass cases. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools ... ustom+Link

[veep]

Thanks for the link on_one_wheel.

Nice way to dummy proof it for us newbies