Brass annealing machines.

[Silver87]

G'day everyone, I've been doing a bit of tinkering again and have decided to have a dabble in brass annealing. This is my first working prototype and have learnt plenty along the way, I'm waiting on some parts and should be working on an improved machine soon.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TMe5qcYILM

I'm wondering if anybody else uses or has built a similar setup? I've researched a lot of the commercially available machines and they strongly influenced my design.

[tarnagulla]

Looks like an interesting idea. Do the shell holders provide enough "heat sink" effect to prevent overheating the lower part of the cases?

[MeccaOz]

Well you made me dive into researching annealing, I knew the basics but that was it. I'm not a benchrest shooter or target shooter really but the idea my brass could last 10 times longer is pretty great to me. I usually use winchester brass even though I know Lapua brass does last alot longer ( It's annealed at the factory ). So by annealing it I can still use my winchester brass and get the same lifespan as lap brass. AWESOME !! Hope you dont mind but I think I'll steal your design there mate

[tarnagulla]

Annealing indeed prolongs case life. I have found that 6.5 x 55 in particular becomes "work-hardened" over time, even just neck sizing, regardless of the brand, or if it was annealed at the factory, which is why such a machine could be very useful.

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

I use a torch, an electric screwdriver, a dark room and an eight-second count.

I really like your machine much better than the commercial ones I've seen. I've had some ideas of my own on building one, but never have the time.

If you end up making these and will ship to US, I will buy one so long as they fit the 7.62x54r case rim. I really like that case rotating platform you have set up.

Regards,

Josh

[paps]

That's awesome.

Spins the brass in front of the torch and everything.

[boolia]

Fantastic work.

When's production start for selling them?

[gherx]

You even thought to drill a hole for the hot brass to drop out the bottom to cool. Nice.

Funny to see guys doing videos and juggling hot brass with their fingers

[chacho]

Is there water in that bowl when it's running mate or just air cool?

[sha]

That's pro.

Betcha buying one of those instead of DIY would cost a fortune...

[Techc]

Looking forward to the aluminium model.

[Silver87]

There's a lot of good writing on the subject, http://www.6mmbr.com/annealing.html and http://bisonballistics.com/articles/the ... -annealing are great write ups for those interested.

I'm new to this and no expert but I air cool as I understand the heat that does move down the case is insufficient to soften the brass much past the shoulder. I'm waiting on parts to turn up before I can make a start on the next one, buying from overseas helps to keep the cost down.

I don't think I'll be able to knock these out in a commercial capacity but hoping I can give people information and ideas on how to build one themselves.

[tarnagulla]

Is there water in that bowl when it's running mate or just air cool?

All forms of annealing require rapid cooling (i.e. water, preferably chilled). Slow cooling, as in air, has the opposite effect and would harden the case! Non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminium are the opposite to ferrous metals, which soften with a slow cool and harden with a rapid quench

[Silver87]

Quenching doesn't hurt but it's personnel preference, I personally don't think its necessary. Brass can only ever be made harder by cold work-hardening.

[brett1868]

If you want to go commercial with this maybe hit the crowd funding sites such as www.kickstarter.com you may have found a niche market with this design.

[Octane]

That is friggen awesome silver.

Put me down for an order?

[petemacsydney]

very cool !

[Silver87]

The next one is a little on the back burner at the moment but my step drill bit's turned up today for when I do start working with aluminium. I bought some 8" pizza trays off eBay hoping they could work as the turntable but looks like I'll have to cut some out of sheet aluminium myself.

[Octane]

Well, keep us posted when you get back to it.

[Silver87]

I've started to get things moving again, waiting on parts from eBay being the main hold up. I picked up some 3mm aluminium pieces and I tell you cutting that round piece was a labour intensive and unpleasant experience

The motor speed control is an awesome piece of kit and well worth the $9 and month wait while it came from China. It is adjustable and has a digital display which shows the percentage of max voltage, throwing the multimeter on I found it very accurate so repeatable settings will be a breeze.

[sha]

Looks like it's going to be pro already

[Streamline]

You making these to start selling them Silver?

I reckon there would be blokes keen to buy.

[Norton]

Nice one.

Looking forward to seeing the finished full metal unit.

[bigfellascott]

I like Skippies - looks like a great bit of kit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-C-i0Kr2jU

[brett1868]

I ended up purchasing the Bench-Source version from http://www.bench-source.com/id81.html for an all up cost of $785 AU delivered to Sydney which includes the regular top plate plus the 50BMG version. I'm getting butt surfed by some companies trying to charge me Bull$h1t amounts for Barrett 416 brass so "F" them all and I'm going to make my own and this type of machine is mandatory when reforming the 50BMG down to 416.

[Silver87]

I'd seen his earlier video's but not since it's been finished, looks great! Those motor speed controllers up top are the same I'm going to use. I only have a basic home workshop and finding working with aluminium is not as easy as I'd liked but I'll stick with it.

[bigfellascott]

I'd seen his earlier video's but not since it's been finished, looks great! Those motor speed controllers up top are the same I'm going to use. I only have a basic home workshop and finding working with aluminium is not as easy as I'd liked but I'll stick with it.

A clever little setup hey, I hope your's turn out as well.

[fuggle]

I like Skippies - looks like a great bit of kit.

The auto feed is a great idea.

[Bourt]

You making these to start selling them Silver?

I reckon there would be blokes keen to buy.

+1

[Silver87]

I did have the thought off selling them but I've got a bit on at the moment and could see myself getting in way over my head. I'm just happy to share the design (be it a ripp off of benchsource ) and see what others can come up with.