annealing brass in the oven

[Bdshull@aol.com]

Hi, Mark,

A few months ago I decided to try the oven.  I put the rails and good butt 
plates in the oven for an hour at full blast ("broil"), turned the oven off 
and left in overnight to cool (slow cooling...).  The butt plates were very 
bendable, unlike before - I could not break them.  I have done it on two 
action rails with the same results.  I am not sure of the exact temperature, 
but I believe the temperature needs to exceed 650 degrees.  

Of course it is more scientific to use the crayons. The heat-sensitive 
crayons are a precise indicator of the temperature.  But I am pleased with 
the results of my oven.  Don't know how many times it can manage full heat 
for an hour, but it seemed to do OK.


Bill Shull, RPT
La Sierra University, CSUSB

In a message dated 11/25/01 1:00:47 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
cramer@BrandonU.CA writes:

<< I recall a discussion about annealing brass-flange rails in the oven.
 Someone may have even taught a class on this subject.
 
 Can someone please help me out with the particulars?
 
 thanks,
 
 Mark Cramer, >>