Vermiculite question

[Jay Mulcahy]

Hi guys, I have a question concerning setting up a container for annealing steel. I got a metal case aprx 18"L x 10"W x 8"H. The lid seems to fit tight and there are no holes in it. I'm wondering what to use for annealing. I've heard sand and ash mixed, sand, ash, and vermiculite, and straight vermiculite. What do you all suggest? Also, is vermiculite the same as perlite?
I have'nt seen vermiculite in garden centers, but I have seen perlite in WalMart. Last question is how full should the container be? Thanks for your help!

 

[Ed Schempp]

Jay,
You can also use clay as in kitty litter or floor dry. You get the best job when you preheat or add heat by bringing a couple of heavy plates of steel up to temp and cooling between them in the media. Try a forge anneal. Fill your forge up with a bunch of steel; don't quit let it get up to temp and shut your forge down and close the openings in your forge, let cool....Take Care...Ed

 

[Nowicki]

Jay,
You can also use clay as in kitty litter or floor dry. You get the best job when you preheat or add heat by bringing a couple of heavy plates of steel up to temp and cooling between them in the media. Try a forge anneal. Fill your forge up with a bunch of steel; don't quit let it get up to temp and shut your forge down and close the openings in your forge, let cool....Take Care...Ed

Yea.... what Ed said