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Annealing basics?

Texas

Silver $$ Contributor
I've been reading through the numerous posts in regards to annealing. I see there are some strong opinions on various methods. I plan to use a drill with socket and torch. I am also getting 750 liquid Tempilac for necks and 450 Tempilac for the body to make sure I don't overheat that potion of the case.
From everything I've read, including the many posts and Ken Light article, I believe this will work.
I do have a few questions.

1. Which torch to use, propane or MAP gas? It seems the MAP gas might be better since you can heat the necks in a matter of seconds and minimize the risk of the heat going further down as well as speed up the overall process.
2. The second question is an estimated time. It seems anywhere from 6 to 10 seconds is typically sufficient?

Any other advice for a first timer?
 
Tex,

I use propane, dual torch, Bench Source. My time is about 3.5 seconds in the flames for 6BR brass. That's with the inner "pencil" flame just touching the neck/shoulder area. I've got a 20lb tank and two lines. Total cost for the propane setup was about $100. The Bench Source will do just about any case with the included wheel. Takes me about 1/2 hour from retrieving the tank from outside patio, to completing 100 cases; takes about another 15 minutes for another 100. I use an angled pan under the drop slop to prevent direct hits on already annealed brass (the necks WILL dent).

Dennis
 
Propane is fine. If you are doing the drill method, then, then try to find a way to stabilize the drill such that you try to have a consistent spot from brass to brass.

Let the tempilaq tell you how long to leave it on the flame. With this method, you will see about 5-9 seconds for most brass.

If you really want to minimize heat to the case head, then after the annealing process, drop it into a bucket of ice water. it will NOT work harden the brass.
 
I have done the drill and socket bit, I have a Ken Light and a Fluxeon Annie. Until I got the Annie the tempilaq really never told me anything. As soon as the flame hits it it melts so you have to put it inside the neck and direct the flame more towards the body-shoulder junction than the neck-shoulder junction. With the Annie I was able to see just how well the method of using a dark room and heating it to a dull glow really works. The 750 melts and the 800 doesn't so it's right there.

I have tried MAPP and propane I prefer Mapp with a turbo tip. The turbo tip swirls the flame so there is no fine tip blue cone and the heat is fairly even across the flame.
 

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