batch annealing some steel for dies. this will be the steel i use to make the blank punching, drawing, and trimming dies for the RCBS press i just put together... around 40lbs worth of large 1-1/2in grade 8 bolts, a couple 1-1/4in grade 8 bolts, and some 1-1/4in 1045/50 rod. also got a few misc pieces of 1045/50 thrown in for other projects. being the threads in the press are 1-1/4in then all i have to do is clean the 1045/50 material up a little, machine it, thread it, reheat treat it, and then polish. the larger stuff will be used to make the blank punching dies and the first drawing die..

but some were wondering what to use to anneal their steel, this is what i use. picked this oven up for 50$ at scrap dealer. had to fix the coils in it and make a plug for the opening but it works good now..

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