Softening Copper Wire for Bonsai Use

Every year, at this time, I prepare my copper wire for use in the coming year. I buy 'annealed' copper wire but it is never soft enough so I go through the annealing process myself, in Winter when it is safe, and cold enough, to sit around a fire.  I have always heated the prepared coils to a 'dull red' and quenched the coils in water. Quenching in water is not necessary for the softening process but helps blow off some of the oxide that forms during annealing;  giving the wire a really natural look that blends well with the bonsai.

I generally use 1.22mm, 1.63mm, 2mm, and 4.1mm copper on my bonsai.  After softening even the 4.1mm wire is easy to apply. !!

700mtrs of Copper Wire ready for the annealing process