KOT

Well I did a little better today. I annealed(heat to cherry red followed by a quench) then worked cold. I was able to get the brass to wrap around the two 5/8"x5/8" bars. Just couldn't get it tight enough to stay in place. I don't have any brass brazing rods, but will try brazing them in place. They are purely decorative and do look sharp!!!

I've done a little more researching and it is the quenching that I am most likely missing.

The bar is 1/2x3/16. I've been using my oxy/propane torch to anneal the brass. I've been successful once with the appropriate amount of heat, but it is frustrating. I only need four bands, to wrap around two pieces of 5/8sq. My four foot length of brass is quickly disappearing. Might have to go with 1/4x1/2 iron. Just thought I would try. I like the look.

I purchased a small amount of flat brass bar, and was hoping to use the brass for collars/bands. I've tried heating and bending and hammering, but usually have so far wound up with the bar fracturing. I've been using a torch so as to control the amount of heat. Too much and it melts. Only once was I able to bend the brass without it fracturing. Is there a magic temperature?? High/low?? I've noticed it work hardens and fractures.