• This Forum is for adults 18 years of age or over. By continuing to use this Forum you are confirming that you are 18 or older. No content shall be viewed by any person under 18 in California.

Salt bath annealing question

I was wondering if there is any need to clean the brass after salt bath annealing? Is a simple rinse enough?

Also for the guys doing this what pid controller setup are you using?

Thanks
 
I only rinsed my brass after annealing with the salt. I did try 2 different methods. The first was with water and a little Lemi Shine mixed in, which turned the brass a flat colored look and took some of the annealing color away. The second was with water only, which left the annealing color (tint) on and the brass had a darker gleam to it. As far as controller, I'm using the one that came with the kit from Canada.
 
LWP "As far as controller, I'm using the one that came with the kit from Canada."

can you elaborate on that. From what I saw, the unit from Canada is not a controller at all, it is just an electronic thermometer. The heat controller is the mechanical thermostat in the Lee pot, or did I miss something and build my own PID for no good reason?
 
I was wondering if there is any need to clean the brass after salt bath annealing? Is a simple rinse enough?

Also for the guys doing this what pid controller setup are you using?

Thanks
I just rinse thoroughly in clean fresh water.

As for PID controller I built my own using information found at this link: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?49410-Pid-temp-control-finished-!!!.
Most of the guys on this link are using the PID for more accurate molten lead temps, but same plans and components serve for salt bath annealing. I did get the 90 degree thermocouple, salts, and case holder from the Canadian source.
 
What’s your dwell time?
That's a different subject, but dwell time is not a matter with dip annealing at the correct temperature.
I rinse/swish dipped cases in that purple stuff cleaner you get at auto parts stores. Then vibratory tumble to dry.
 
That's a different subject, but dwell time is not a matter with dip annealing at the correct temperature.
I rinse/swish dipped cases in that purple stuff cleaner you get at auto parts stores. Then vibratory tumble to dry.

Purple Power! Good stuff right there!
I watched the video on their website and 5 seconds of exposure, seems to do the trick.
I've had my annealing fit for about 6 months and haven't had a chance to use it.
 

Upgrades & Donations

This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.


Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.

You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.


To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.

Forum statistics

Threads
166,278
Messages
2,215,710
Members
79,518
Latest member
DixieDog
Back
Top