Smelting Kovar

I built my own burner recently and just picked up two junk propane tanks to convert to my forge. So far so good, a lot of ducks to get in a row to cast! Thought it would be a cheap hobby... well its cheaper than my wife's sewing hobby. Here is my (crappy) flame, needs some tuning for sure.

Originally Posted by jiffy117

I built my own burner recently and just picked up two junk propane tanks to convert to my forge. So far so good, a lot of ducks to get in a row to cast! Thought it would be a cheap hobby... well its cheaper than my wife's sewing hobby. Here is my (crappy) flame, needs some tuning for sure.

Nothing wrong with that flame, looks plenty hot enough to do some serious melting for your new hobby.

When I used to cast aluminium I preferred to use automotive aluminium from engine heads and blocks. I no longer do any casting but have not totally quit.

I have some items that I want to cast from cast iron, I'm going to prepare the flask foundry ready, using the no bake method to bind the sand together.

There are much better binders made from urethane but you need a Muller to work the binder into the sand,, I'll be using sodium silicate and Co2 to cure the mixture once it has been packed around the pattern.

My casting once the sprue has been removed will weigh 38 lbs.