It's all about the crucibles - Bladesmith's Forum

Hi everyone,

I'm a newcomer to this forum, starting out with metal melting as a hobby. As a plumber, I have a lot of scrap copper, brass, and iron that I need to manage, and melting seems like a practical solution. My question revolves around the types of crucibles available and their best applications.

I've noticed there are two primary types of crucibles: graphite and ceramic. What would be the best option for melting these metals to be reformed?

I'm feeling a bit uncertain and am hoping you all have the knowledge to help me out.

Thanks,

Ashley

One critical thing to consider when melting metals, especially zinc, is the fumes it produces, which can be quite harmful. Regarding crucibles, clay-graphite varieties are among the most affordable and reasonably effective with some practice. However, they do require tempering before use. This process entails placing them in a cold furnace, gradually heating to the intended maximum temperature, maintaining that temperature for an hour, and allowing them to cool in place.

While these crucibles are accessible, they do have certain limitations, especially in durability. Pure graphite crucibles, while more expensive, do not need to be tempered and are sturdier. However, locating a sufficiently large pure graphite crucible that fits your budget can be a challenge. Silicon carbide crucibles offer a solid alternative; they are relatively expensive but do not require any tempering and exhibit less fragility.

What specific projects do you plan to embark on?

As for safety, wearing protective equipment is crucial, especially in environments with potential fume exposure. If you are considering melting copper, you should be aware that it has a propensity to absorb oxygen, which can cause issues when melting it in an open crucible. Utilizing a covered crucible or placing a layer of powdered charcoal on top can help mitigate this risk.

Using MAPP gas as your heat source is a pragmatic choice. When it comes to managing oxidation in copper, while some suggest using borax, many professionals argue it doesn't have a significant effect on shielding copper from oxidation. However, it probably wouldn't hurt to experiment with it.

If you're keen on exploring varied melting techniques, maintaining proper conditions in your melting setup becomes vital. A silicon carbide crucible can greatly enhance your melting capabilities due to its durability and thermal properties, ensuring that your casting processes are efficient. For more comprehensive insights and resources, I highly recommend checking out Foshan Osno.

Are you planning to try your hand at casting iron or aluminum as well? If so, just remember to allocate separate crucibles for each type of metal to avoid contamination. Each different alloy requires its unique crucible to safeguard the integrity of your final products.

In summary, the type of crucible you choose—be it clay-graphite or silicon carbide—depends largely on your intended use and the specific properties you're seeking. For heavier duties and long-term reliability, the Silicon Carbide Graphite Crucible stands out as a robust option.

Finally, for an expansive range of heating solutions tailored to your melting needs, I suggest looking into the Rice Cooker Tubular Heater Winding Machine, which could provide added efficiency to your setup.