OT: Backyard metal foundry almost done :), aluminum/brass casting getting closer... Options

[Mueller]

The burner is finished, I got the plans from http://www.backyardmetalcasting.com/index.html

It's a pretty simple propane burner, built from steel pipe for gas lines....cost a few bucks to make (the regulator with gauge cost about $40)

I hope to be melting some aluminum and brass sometime this week....not as loud as I thougt it would be, but it does make some noise <!-- emo&:D -->(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)<!-- endemo -->

So far my "donor" aluminum scrap will come from some old used 2.0 pistons, a 914 steering rack, possibly an old 15x7 Phonedial that had a run in with a curb...of course I still don't know what the heck I am going to attept to make...

The neighbors are nervous


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[Mueller]

QUOTE (rhodyguy @ Mar 20 2006, 05:02 PM)

cool. how many #s will your crucible hold? i wonder what will happen when you mix a few different alloys? (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/dry.gif)  are you going to try making your molds with Green Sand? you have to wear boots mike! don't burn yourself and have fun! k

Well....as usual, I didn't do my homework and i bought the 1st "cheap" crucible I saw on eBay....it'll hold 28# of aluminum but is way too big for my furnace (I thought it better to build and learn on a smaller furnace)....sooooo I bought another crucible that'll hold 14# and it's a tight fit and not too easy to grab with the tongs so I know have another one which is a tad bit smaller and safer to use.

I have Petrobond ® for for the sand, it's a commercial product that has found it's way to the hobbiest...oil based

QUOTE

jonwatts Posted on Mar 20 2006, 09:46 PM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How about a set of brass balls? Always nice to have spares.

have you been talking to Sherryl? She just mentioned having me get "snipped", nothing about removing them completly (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wacko.gif)