jetdx Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 I may be a little behind the times or a little dense but what is the point of Anneling PE? I have never heard of doing such a thing nor have I ever even thought about it. What do I have to gain if I anneal PE parts? Is this a common practice/is this done by eveyone? Should I be anneling my PE? HELP...THX Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Huey Gunner Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 It makes it very easy to bend to shape after "torching" it a bit. Can't do it it to the small ones though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jetdx Posted October 24, 2009 Author Share Posted October 24, 2009 It makes it very easy to bend to shape after "torching" it a bit. Can't do it it to the small ones though. Then let the PE cool after it is bent...right? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pigsty Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 (edited) No, the right order is: anneal, cool, use. Annealing changes the crystalline structure of the metal and makes it easier to work; the intention isn't to work the metal while it's hot. If you try to anneal individual parts you'll burn your fingers! Do the whole fret at once and all the parts will be ready for use. In an ordinary gas cooker flame a PE fret will go cherry-red almost instantly; then drop it onto a baking tray and it will be cool enough to handle in ten minutes, usually less. That's all you need to do! Edited October 24, 2009 by pigsty Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Triarius Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Most PE is an alloy of brass. Brass is an interesting alloy, in that it work hardens (for example, by bending) in a very odd way—not a linear, or even uniform curve function. Annealing makes it easier to work. This is particularly important when you bend a piece improperly. Anneal it, then flatten it, anneal it again, and bend it properly. Unlike ferrous metals, brass alloys are annealed by quenching, rather than slow cooling. In the case of PE, as Sean says, just dropping it on a baking sheet, or waving it through the air will do, as it is so thin it will air quench very nicely. You don't even need to get it to cherry red, dull red is plenty. I prefer to use an alcohol lamp, which allows better control. It also lets you do a part that has already been cut from the fret. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jetdx Posted October 24, 2009 Author Share Posted October 24, 2009 how about a candle or do I need to go out and find sucha thing? It is not uncommon for me to bend one improperly but I know better than to bend it back flat and try to bend it back. Annealing seam to remedy that problem a bit....THX Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Triarius Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 A properly trimmed candle (not smoking) is fine. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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