|
|
Post by durhambuilder on Nov 9, 2011 21:04:07 GMT
I have just watched yesterdays Man Lab (BBC2 TV for those abroad) where James May et al build a small charcoal fired furnace and melt a couple of lbs of Aluminium. I guess it was drummed down a bit for Tv but is it really that straightforward, a metal drum, some sand and clay and a hairdrier?
|
|
SteveW
Elder Statesman
Posts: 1,397
|
Post by SteveW on Nov 9, 2011 21:26:52 GMT
DB,
Aluminium will melt at around 650C, that's the easy bit. The problem is that is you can get a lot of dissolved gases which make the resulting castings porous. Also at these temperatures if the runny metal touches any hint of moisture the liquid alloy can explode propelled by super heated steam.
The gassing can be addressed with some fairly nasty pills which then make a lot of smoke that'll make cough the wrong sort of cough.
Like everything, it's do'able but it should be on the "Be Very Very Careful" list. Unless you know what you're doing the results can be marginal.
|
|
springbok
Statesman
Building a Thompson Class B1 in 5"g Plus restoring a 3" Fowler steam road Engine "The Wanderer".
Posts: 570
|
Post by springbok on Nov 10, 2011 2:49:50 GMT
The quick answer is NO Steve says be very very careful can I reiterate that I have seen very nasty accidents with molten metal one person lost part of his foot because he was wearing trainers and molten ali spilt. The program you are referring to I have to say not seen (never look at the oggle box) this must have been a lash up for viewer attention. There is much more to casting than what you describe and I would if you are seriosly thinking of makeing your own castings please do a lot of research first.
Ask at your local SMEE is anyone makeing or has experience in this field.
Bob
|
|
abby
Statesman
Posts: 927
|
Post by abby on Nov 10, 2011 18:00:57 GMT
Yes it is that easy , infact aluminium can be melted in a wood fire with nothing else required and if all you need is a billet for machining a simple metal mould will suffice.
Sensible safety precautions observed and suitable protective clothing should be worn along with eye protection and gloves.
Use clean metal to start , heat your tools and mould before coming into contact with molten metal
Brass and bronze require oil or gas fired furnaces for convenience , but are well within the capability of most humans , we have been doing it for several thousand years !
|
|
