This is good information. I'm going to order one of the new type from Rusty but will hold it in reserve and try to anneal what I have.
I *think* my IR thermometer goes to 799F so it seems like I should be able to get in the right range using it and my plumbers torch if I'm careful. I've annealed copper washers a couple times now with good results. -Curt Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:06:50 -0500 From: Fmiser <fmi...@gmail.com> To: Mercedes Discussion List <mercedes@okiebenz.com> Subject: Re: [MBZ] Aluminum washer Message-ID: <20120322000650.73899f42.fmi...@gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII > G Mann wrote: > 2. Placed the washer /safety wire [with a handle of wire about > 8 inches long] over a gas stove burner and heated the washer > while turning it to heat both sides of the flats until > the .032 stainless wire just started to show some redness from > heat. That's a bit hot. Iron begins glowing at about 550C (1022F), and aluminum melts about 660C (1220F). 400C (750F) is a good target for Aluminum. I did some web searching for a good way to indicate a surface temp of 340C (650F) to 400C (750F). A Sharpie marker is supposed to burn off about that temperature, but one site said only if it wasn't a fresh mark. Another suggestion was apply soap and watch for it turns black. The most accurate would be a temperature indicating stick. http://www.tempil.com/products/tempilstik-original/ Probably overkill for annealing a washer! > 3. Quenched the washer under the kitchen faucet [cold tap]. > You should get a nice "PSsssssshhhhhhhhh} Annealing of copper, brass, and aluminum is not generally affected by the speed of the cooling. So quench if you want, or air cool, or whatever suits your fancy. Ferrous metals (iron and steel) _must_ be cooled slowly to anneal. -- Philip _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
