Annealing Questions

[hoz53]

I have no regulator on my bench source. Dual tourch. Open valves very slowly starting at tank I use cutting torch striker Hold the striker against the tourch heads and when lighting. I also use a dark room to anneal

i use another propane torch (quick start type) to light my torches. its the easiest way for me. just as safe as any other way.

 

[NF1E]

I use the dark room and dull red appearance to judge temperature. Has work fine for many years and quite consistent with the Giraud. Whatta Hobby!

 

[wkdickinson]

When using these 20lb propane tanks, it's a good idea to use a regulator for easier control of the flow, giving you a visual, and helps keep the flow constant. I use a regulator when hooked up to my 20 pounder but seldom when using my 1 lb bottles. For a dual torch set up like you have, I'd highly recommend you use a regulator.

A bit off subject, but maybe some more insight - some years ago I read an article about using two-stage regulators on a gas grill for consistent heat (as propane in tank was used and pressure reduced). I decided to try it and it worked amazingly well. (Amazon sells them and they are inexpensive, but buy an adjustable one)! I made a manometer from plastic tubing and colored water. Then set the 2nd stage of the regulator to the proper pressure (I forget the number). From then on, I got consistent heat, no matter how much gas was in the tank. Seems like this would be applicable to a propane annealer setup also, to offer more consistent temperatures.

FYI - I gave up on flame annealing (Annealeez), several years ago and built an induction annealer using a "frozen bolt heater" (plans on YouTube). It works great! Fast and consistent. I do it in a darkened room and have the timer set so the neck just glows red.

 

[BHP9]

I don't see any sort of regulator in you setup. That doesn't seem right.

I use the AGS annealer and no regulator on the tank and zero problems with flame control.

Not required UNLESS the Annealer manufacturer says otherwise.

 

[Straightshooter1]

A bit off subject, but maybe some more insight - some years ago I read an article about using two-stage regulators on a gas grill for consistent heat (as propane in tank was used and pressure reduced). I decided to try it and it worked amazingly well. (Amazon sells them and they are inexpensive, but buy an adjustable one)! I made a manometer from plastic tubing and colored water. Then set the 2nd stage of the regulator to the proper pressure (I forget the number). From then on, I got consistent heat, no matter how much gas was in the tank. Seems like this would be applicable to a propane annealer setup also, to offer more consistent temperatures.

As I also have an adjustable regulator, I find it really helps with a consistent heat . . . particularly when using the 1 lb propane bottles.

FYI - I gave up on flame annealing (Annealeez), several years ago and built an induction annealer using a "frozen bolt heater" (plans on YouTube). It works great! Fast and consistent. I do it in a darkened room and have the timer set so the neck just glows red.

I've been using an Annealeez for many years and getting pretty good results. Then just recently, I decided to get the new BurstFire induction annealer (the price was right ). So, I've gone through a bunch of testing as I did before, finding the right timing as it doesn't have a feature like the AMP machine to get the right timing. Testing various brass as various setting and measuring the hardness was much like with flame annealing, in having to look at the necks to see when and how long they'd turn red. But with the induction, it takes less time to get there. Interestingly, with my BurstFire, compared to my Annealeez, the full cycle to get from one case to the next annealed to my target hardness was only slightly faster, though that difference adds up when doing hundreds. In comparing the end results between the two machines and the methods, I could find no difference otherwise.

 

[JMayo]

The regulator is the torch heads.
Tiny hole takes a long time to purge air.
I cut the torch end first then cut off the cans leaving gas in the lines.
Also a tiny tiny amount of knob turn or it'll blow itself out.

 

[sparky123321]

I always cringe when I see a new annealing thread. I used to use the torch type annealers, but switched over to an Annie many years ago and never looked back.

 

[kelbro]

The regulator is the torch heads.
Tiny hole takes a long time to purge air.
I cut the torch end first then cut off the cans leaving gas in the lines.
Also a tiny tiny amount of knob turn or it'll blow itself out.

Makes sense. The green 1lb bottles don't have a regulator and they work.

 

[NileCitySlick]

I use the AGS Custom annealing machine. Can do single or dual flame. Easy to use. Costs about $300 and comes with two sets (308, 223) of shell adapters. PPC set another $40. It spins the brass while in the flame, uses a programmable timer, and shell drops in to a can/bin when done. agsannealer.com

 

[Mike in Oregon]

I just ordered a low-pressure regulator with dual lines. I think I was dealing with air in the lines still. The hole is VERY small in the torch head.

I think a running a regulator will smooth things out even better. What a learning experience! This weekend I will try it again. Thanks guys!

 

[Mike in Oregon]

I use the AGS Custom annealing machine. Can do single or dual flame. Easy to use. Costs about $300 and comes with two sets (308, 223) of shell adapters. PPC set another $40. It spins the brass while in the flame, uses a programmable timer, and shell drops in to a can/bin when done. agsannealer.com

As mentioned, I'm using the Bench Source. I did consider the AGS however. I opted for the BS, as Eric Cortina sold me on it, after watching his videos. Then the Amp came out. I would have had a very hard time justifying that kind of money so early into my comeback to reloading. Who know, maybe down the road...