Ok so this isn't specifically about brass cases, this isn't specifically about gun parts, BUT it does all kinda tie together in the end. I am working on articles (because I am trying to dodge actually working on editing my book that I am so close to finishing) and I'm about to start on several projects that will have photos, etc for making items out of a 3' piece of brass pin stock.
So first problem is I need to soften the pin stock so that it doesn't break on me while forming and shaping various items. I cannot find much on "specific" temperatures for annealing the brass, and I suspect I may need to do this more than once during a couple of the projects to keep the brass pin stock from becoming work hardened. Is this going to be as simple as using a propane torch while working it, and heating and dousing it during shaping? Some of the items may have some fairly tight bends in them, I haven't figured out the specifics yet.
Second problem is the opposite problem of the first. Once I am finished with final shaping of the items I would like to anneal one more time to remove stress, but then I would like to harden or temper the items so that they aren't overly easily bent, but not so much that they shatter or crack if impacted, dropped, etc.
Anyway I appreciate any and all responses or pointers. I've only got a vague notion of the direction I am going here and I'd like to ruin as little stock as possible since money is so tight around here. I know there are going to be some "duds" no matter what I do, but keeping it to minimum is why I'm asking for help and information.
Thanks
God Bless, and One Love
Richard