Annealing photo etch

[Kevi52]

Hi all

Could any one give me any advice on the best way to anneal photo etch and the best type of

Torch/burner to accomplish this.

Any tips or advice appreciated. Ta

Kev

[hovis]

I usually just place mine on the hob until it gets red hot then let it cool naturally. Seems to work ok.

[snapper_city]

I know I should know but why do this?

[Darwinism]

Heating until cherry red over a hob ring and then allowing to cool slowly is the way to go - I heat mine up then slowly move it over a period of 60 seconds or so away from the heat source. Don't be tempted to heat it up then rapidly cool it under water - this will temper the metal and actually harden it.

Edited March 22, 2020 by Darwinism

[Black Knight]

I use a tea light candle on my modelling desk. Take it until it just starts to glow red, take away, in a few moments its cool enough to work with.

[jenko]

Heat on hob till cherry red (slowly) and leave to cool naturally.

When doing this to ferrous metal it is called normalising.

When done to non - ferrous metal it is called annealing.

Jenko retired handicraft teacher

[CliffB]

I know I should know but why do this?

Annealing softens the metal and makes it much easier to bend (particularly into smooth curves).

Cliff

[snapper_city]

Thanks Cliff. After typing that I thought why not Google it. It sent me here

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30206-annealing-photo-etch/

[Kevi52]

Hey snapper,

Just read the thread that linked to. Thanks for finding and posting it.

Kev

[Denford]

Annealing softens the metal and makes it much easier to bend (particularly into smooth curves).

Cliff

What about parts that DONT need bending?

Should they be removed from the fret before annealing, or do they still stay sufficiently strong?

Note to the Moderator: what chance of a separate heading 'Photo etch'? 'Other Tools' doesn't really seem right here! Also there's a lot of posts on Putties and Fillers: something for them too?