George N. M. Posted November 7, 2020 Posted November 7, 2020 The clay leca balls could be used for annealing but they wouldn't work as well as something finer grained. There is too much air space between the individual balls which would allow the metal to cool more quickly than something finer which would pack tighter around the metal and provide more insulation. I have always liked vermiculite. "By hammer and hand all arts do stand." Quote
ThomasPowers Posted November 9, 2020 Posted November 9, 2020 Sifted wood ash is the material I like. (Though using a gas forge a lot nowadays; I generally just set the piece in; let it heat up and turn off and close the forge up.) Quote
George N. M. Posted November 9, 2020 Posted November 9, 2020 Smeden: Yes, crushing the clay balls would improve its insulating qualities but why go to the work of crushing something when their are other materials around that don't involve having to refine something. All you need is something non-flammable and that is pretty fine grained. You want the metal to cool slowly. The more insulation the better. "By hammer and hand all arts do stand." Quote
Goldie Posted March 10, 2021 Posted March 10, 2021 Is vermiculite available here in the north? It does a great job annealing although takes some time. Quote
ThomasPowers Posted March 10, 2021 Posted March 10, 2021 Northern Russia, Northern Australia, Northern Norway? This is a world wide web forum and we have members from all over participating. Quote
Frosty Posted March 10, 2021 Posted March 10, 2021 North Atlantic, North Pole, Galactic North? No, it isn't. Pick a: Country town and pick up a telephone. Frosty The Lucky. Quote
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