Don’t almost burn your house down with an Annealeez

[TxWelder35]

Well here a “no shit dumb ass” PSA.

First of all don’t ever have a flame annealer on your reloading bench. Do that shit away from from all powder, primers, etc. Because all the reloading stuff goes on the reloading bench and that’s where I keep it all thats where it was.

I literally know better than this, maybe I’m the only moron that spaced how dangerous it is.

Anyway, went to go anneal my brass, opened up the propane valve, nothing, empty. Thought huh that’s odd I could have swore I just changed this. Don’t think anymore of it and I swap it for a fresh one. Turn it on, all going good for a couple seconds, then there is big fireball consuming the whole thing. Shit my pants, reach over it and grabbing for the shut off valve. Burn all the hair on my arm off. Get it shut off. Literally the worst place In the house for a fire. Probably 40-50# of powder and like 20k primers all within 18”-2’ away from open flame on the shelves above it. Hose at some point had ruptured right before the torch.

So lessons learned
1- remove propane bottle every time
2- put that shit outside away from any powder/primers

Annealeez is now permanently outside and will be done on the welding bench.

 

[Threadcutter308]

Well here a “no shit dumb ass” PSA.

First of all don’t ever have a flame annealer on your reloading bench. Do that shit away from from all powder, primers, etc. Because all the reloading stuff goes on the reloading bench and that’s where I keep it all thats where it was.

I literally know better than this, maybe I’m the only moron that spaced how dangerous it is.

Anyway, went to go anneal my brass, opened up the propane valve, nothing, empty. Thought huh that’s odd I could have swore I just changed this. Don’t think anymore of it and I swap it for a fresh one. Turn it on, all going good for a couple seconds, then there is big fireball consuming the whole thing. Shit my pants, reach over it and grabbing for the shut off valve. Burn all the hair on my arm off. Get it shut off. Literally the worst place In the house for a fire. Probably 40-50# of powder and like 20k primers all within 18”-2’ away from open flame on the shelves above it. Hose at some point had ruptured right before the torch.

So lessons learned
1- remove propane bottle every time
2- put that shit outside away from any powder/primers

Annealeez is now permanently outside and will be done on the welding bench.

Good you're OK and damage was minimal.

I had an Annealeze. Got rid of it.

I had a salt bath set up. Got rid of it.

Bought a Fluxeon "Annie" induction annealer. Have had it for 5 years or so and am very happy with it. No open flame or 550 degree liquid salt bath. The Annie is much safer and is far more repeatable than either flame or salt bath type. AMP induction annealer is another good one, but I just couldn't bite off on the price/cost.

 

[Rhed]

I used to have a Bench Source before. Had it setup in the garage. Though, for safety purposes I would always stay next to the machine with a fire extinguisher in case shit happens. Then after awhile I got tired of the fact and got rid of it then got a AMP.

 

[rustyinbend]

Glad you're OK ... buy an AMP. I'll take "induction" over "flame" all day long.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Thanks for the PSA. This could happen to any one.

 

[ForgeValley]

You ain't alone brother. Just looked and I've got a propane torch in my reloading room... Don't even know why it's in there, but I remember using it for something in there. Moving it now.

And those powder numbers are rookie numbers.

 

[NiteQwill]

This will prevent house fires...

 

[Jrb572]

This will prevent house fires...

is that your setup? is The case feeder still on your press? Where did you purchase the coiled feeder tube?

 

[Sniperwannabee]

This will prevent house fires...

How much is that’s set up?

 

[BLKWLFK9]

Had an annealeeze for about 3 weeks. AMP FTW.

 

[NiteQwill]

is that your setup? is The case feeder still on your press? Where did you purchase the coiled feeder tube?

Yes, that is my setup. I use a Dillon Casefeeder. The coil tube is a standard spring tube you can cut to length from a hardware store. I believe it's 1/2" inner diameter if I'm not mistaken.

How much is that’s set up?

Amp + Ampmate I believe is currently around $1600. I bought it much cheaper awhile back, though.

It's set it and forget it. No watching a flame. My only limitation is case feeder capacity. But I annealed 500 pieces of brass the other day in 45-ish minutes.

 

[Jrb572]

Yes, that is my setup. I use a Dillon Casefeeder. The coil tube is a standard spring tube you can cut to length from a hardware store. I believe it's 1/2" inner diameter if I'm not mistaken.

Amp + Ampmate I believe is currently around $1600. I bought it much cheaper awhile back, though.

It's set it and forget it. No watching a flame. My only limitation is case feeder capacity. But I annealed 500 pieces of brass the other day in 45-ish minutes.

Thank you I have been looking for that. What department in a hardware store has that?

 

[NiteQwill]

Thank you I have been looking for that. What department in a hardware store has that?

Heating I think? They are called Nichrome Open Coil Springs.

 

[Jrb572]

Heating I think? They are called Nichrome Open Coil Springs.

Thank I appreciate your help. Sorry I didn’t mean to derail the thread.

Buy an AMP Alex and Matt are great to deal with.

 

[rustyinbend]

Thanks for the PSA. This could happen to any one.

Amen Brother ... I started handloading about 3 years ago and as I was learning and accumulating "stuff" ... I looked at torch-based annealing solutions and something inside me intuitively said "That's just dangerous". I saw the AMP, learned the difference, and immediately backordered one. This was at the beginning of the craziness, and I had it in hand less than a month later. When I see a Youtube or pictures of someone lighting a torch to anneal, it still makes me cringe. I know that makes me sound like an "Induction Entitled Elitist" ... but I've become OK with that.

 

[TxWelder35]

Induction annealer would be nice but it’s hard to justify the price. (As long as the other doesn’t burn your house down ) I get good results on target with flame annealing and have yet to have a split neck with 14x fired brass.

Honesty I just can’t believe how completely over looked having that flame annealer near powder/primers was. It no world in any other setting would you ever allow open flames near those products.

I just hope someone who reads this turns a light bulb on to keep it away from powder/primers. Guess it’s all part of getting compliant and over looking major safety problems.

 

[craigos]

its why i went electric ... small kids and fire .. wife didnt like it

 

[Jmkjr87]

I don't understand how you would anneal brass next to primers and powder? And I keep ally powder and primers in a wooden cabinet and only have what I'm loading on the bench. That way I don't put the wrong powder back into the wrong jug but when I'm annealing all components are stored. So to help you out I will take the primers off your hands to prevent any further risk. No need to thank me bro

 

[Sniperwannabee]

Induction annealer would be nice but it’s hard to justify the price. (As long as the other doesn’t burn your house down ) I get good results on target with flame annealing and have yet to have a split neck with 14x fired brass.

Honesty I just can’t believe how completely over looked having that flame annealer near powder/primers was. It no world in any other setting would you ever allow open flames near those products.

I just hope someone who reads this turns a light bulb on to keep it away from powder/primers. Guess it’s all part of getting compliant and over looking major safety problems.

It’s because your a welder…heat and fire don’t scare you!

 

[XikoPlavi]

My AMP is an amazing machine. Can’t say enough about it. I want the amp mate automation but I’m just happy to have the main machine for now

Glad your ok, but dude!

That anal easy thing is what it is I guess, but Iobviously not fool proof. (I’m not calling you a fool)…just saying

 

[TxWelder35]

My AMP is an amazing machine. Can’t say enough about it. I want the amp mate automation but I’m just happy to have the main machine for now

Glad your ok, but dude!

That anal easy thing is what it is I guess, but Iobviously not fool proof. (I’m not calling you a fool)…just saying

No definitely a fool for not realizing how stupid doing that near powder is. Extremely foolish thing to do. But we do stupid shit and we learn from it, hopefully not too painfully. I’ll publicly shame myself in hopes that someone else might learn from it.

 

[XikoPlavi]

No definitely a fool for not realizing how stupid doing that near powder is. Extremely foolish thing to do. But we do stupid shit and we learn from it, hopefully not too painfully. I’ll publicly shame myself in hopes that someone else might learn from it.

Yeah could have been worse. So, yeah I’m sure you won’t forget that.

 

[BCX]

TxWelder35,,,,welding 101, who's doing your fire watch

All kidding aside, glad your ok. Spend the money on a AMP.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

I feel like there may be middle ground between proper flame annealing and a house fire. My wife thinks I'm unreasonable though.

 

[TxWelder35]

I feel like there may be middle ground between proper flame annealing and a house fire. My wife thinks I'm unreasonable though.

You can anneal all your brass in one batch with the house fire method

 

[brian1]

Check this out - I got it and it works great. No flames. And it works great as a tool for what it was made for, too - heating up nuts and the like for removal. I've used it several times for that, too.

 

[TxWelder35]

Check this out - I got it and it works great. No flames. And it works great as a tool for what it was made for, too - heating up nuts and the like for removal. I've used it several times for that, too.

That’s pretty cool set up there

 

[RegionRat]

Sorry to hear about the scare, but glad you are okay.

 

[myronman3]

all it takes is a little bit of complacency. we've all been there. whether it is being far too comfortable with a certain task, maybe not as educated as we should be, or thinking about something else in the moment.

glad everything turned out ok and it never hurts to read reminders to be on our toes.

 

[Sniperwannabee]

Check this out - I got it and it works great. No flames. And it works great as a tool for what it was made for, too - heating up nuts and the like for removal. I've used it several times for that, too.

Thanks for posting

 

[The D]

20k primers you say?

Lol j/k, glad you didn’t send your house into orbit

 

[padom]

Thank you I have been looking for that. What department in a hardware store has that?

Or you can order them to your door from DoubleAlpha... they have both small and large diameter...

Mr.Bulletfeeder output spring and extension adaptor

Some Mr.BulletFeeder users have asked for the option to extend the output feed spring, to allow them to position the collator further away, or perhaps position one collator between two presses and use it to alternately feed each machine.To meet this request we are pleased to offer the out...

www.doublealpha.biz

 

[NiteQwill]

Or you can order them to your door from DoubleAlpha... they have both small and large diameter...

Mr.Bulletfeeder output spring and extension adaptor

Some Mr.BulletFeeder users have asked for the option to extend the output feed spring, to allow them to position the collator further away, or perhaps position one collator between two presses and use it to alternately feed each machine.To meet this request we are pleased to offer the out...

www.doublealpha.biz

This is easy. $14 + shipping though. Easy buy if you need some Double Alpha mag pouches or holster...

But TBH, the spring cost less than $1 at a store, depending on how much is cut.

 

[Kra961]

Surprise!! Ya it a shocker for damn sure.
I bought a metal cabinet that all powder and primers go into and nothing is in the open.
That and bought an Annie Annealer no more open flame best investment made.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

Another option could be to not anneal next to your powder and primers. I know that seems like a complex concept on it's face but it is surprisingly easier in practice once you get the hang of it.

Here's step by step guide, it took some time to make it concise because of the complexity:

Step 1) Move powder away from flame annealer.
Step 2) Anneal brass with flame annealer.

 

[acudaowner]

yup fire hot .

 

[TxWelder35]

Another option could be to not anneal next to your powder and primers. I know that seems like a complex concept on it's face but it is surprisingly easier in practice once you get the hang of it.

Here's step by step guide, it took some time to make it concise because of the complexity:

Step 1) Move powder away from flame annealer.
Step 2) Anneal brass with flame annealer.

New Primers should be safe inside of primer pockets for annealing right?

 

[Haney]

Another option could be to not anneal next to your powder and primers. I know that seems like a complex concept on it's face but it is surprisingly easier in practice once you get the hang of it.

Here's step by step guide, it took some time to make it concise because of the complexity:

Step 1) Move powder away from flame annealer.
Step 2) Anneal brass with flame annealer.

Winner of the common sense award .

 

[kindabitey]

New Primers should be safe inside of primer pockets for annealing right?

Ask Erik Cortina.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Surprise!! Ya it a shocker for damn sure.
I bought a metal cabinet that all powder and primers go into and nothing is in the open.
That and bought an Annie Annealer no more open flame best investment made.

They should be stored in wooden containers.

Metal container can become a bomb in a fire.

Open storage is actually pretty safe due to the design of modern plastic powder jugs.

 

[Mike Casselton]

yup fire hot .

Haraka

 

[hankpac]

Anal Eaze? Isn't that Amyl Nitrate?
In the ER you see everything at least once.

 

[cas6969]

I like the low tech unit. Don't do it where there's spilled powder and loose primers? Hell that's like 3/4 of my house!

 

[acudaowner]

isn't warning people about the dangers of leaving an open flame untended about as stupid as pushing people to turn over there guns cause you might get lead poisoning from bullets that could have lead in it lead in it ? please don't drink the cool aid from your cars radiator as it's not cool aid , or having to be told not to eat the yellow snow on the ground snow is never yellow without pee but if you want it please by all means eat it lol . or not to eat smokeless powder no matter how it smells it is going to taste like crap never leave a toddler untended with a magic marker and your clean white walls could become a canvas for there next masterpiece ( finger paint also works really well ) .

 

[Jmkjr87]

isn't warning people about the dangers of leaving an open flame untended about as stupid as pushing people to turn over there guns cause you might get lead poisoning from bullets that could have lead in it lead in it ? please don't drink the cool aid from your cars radiator as it's not cool aid , or having to be told not to eat the yellow snow on the ground snow is never yellow without pee but if you want it please by all means eat it lol . or not to eat smokeless powder no matter how it smells it is going to taste like crap never leave a toddler untended with a magic marker and your clean white walls could become a canvas for there next masterpiece ( finger paint also works really well ) .

I'll drink as much coolant as I want and there is nothing you can do to stop me

 

[The D]

I'll drink as much coolant as I want and there is nothing you can do to stop me

 

[Rookie]

This story has me moving my Geraud annealer further away from powder/primers and mounting a fire extinguisher

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

yeah, open flame annealer near the reloding bench or anything flammable is pretty stupid.

 

[acudaowner]

don't be stupid with it and nothing bad will happen it's almost as bad as saying don't stick a paper clip inside a wall socket or don't lick a hot grill lol of course you don't do those things or you get what you diverse .

 

[TxWelder35]

This story has me moving my Geraud annealer further away from powder/primers and mounting a fire extinguisher

I count this thread as a success now