How to make a metal foundry that works with gas. Copper melting tested! More than 1000°C(1832ºF)! This design I think is a well balanced price/resistant/workforce. Own design inspired by @thekingofrandom and burner inspired by the @ChemicalKevy
Danger!!In the video is tested using a flame but leave this method to experts because in case of leak you should be ready to blow fast and strongly or/and cut gas supply quickly. You could be serious injure if you try this method.
We will see all materials and building process on how to make a homemade mini gas metal foundry. This is the cheapest and resistant foundry you can possible make.
We try the foundry melting aluminium witch it melting point is 660,3ºC (1220,5ºF).
You will need the following material.
12L (3,17 gal) iron bucket
10 Kg (22 lbs) Refractory concrete
5 Refractory bricks
25cm (10 inch) diameter iron tube
8mm (3,15 inch) diameter iron tube Butane Repsol gas tank
Butane tank connector
Butane tube clamp
Leaf blower Crucible
Step 1: Make a 25mm Hole in the Fireproof Brick
Make a 25 mm hole in the fireproof brick. It has to make with a 30 to 45º angle.
Step 2: Cut a Brick in Half
Cut a brick in half for the button of the foundry cavity
Step 3: Make a 25 Mm Hole in the Bucket
Place the brick to find the spot to make a the hole in the bucket. First make a small hole in the bucket and then make the 25 mm hole.
Step 4: Prepare Fireproof Concrete
You can watch this two video to see how to prepare concrete. But you should use fireproof concrete.
Step 5: Wet the Bricks and the Bucket
Wet the bricks and the bucket
Step 6: Make a Concrete Basement
Make a concrete basement
Step 7: Put the Half Brick in the Basement
Put the half brick in the basement and put concrete on the corners and borders
Step 8: Mount the Brick Structure and Fill It With Concrete
Mount the brick structure and fill it with concrete. You must put first the intake tube. 25 mm steel tube
Step 9: Use a Pan or Similar to Make a Cap
Use a pan or similar to make a cap. I place a glass in the middle for the ventilation hole. Also it is a good idea to put two handles
Step 10: Flatten the Tip of a 8 Mm Iron Tube
Flatten the tip of a 8 mm iron tube to reduce the gas outtake
Step 11: Use a Screw Clamp to Attach the 8 Mm Tube to the Gas Connector
Use a screw clamp to attach the 8 mm tube to the gas connector
Step 12: Test That There Is Not Leakage
Test that there is not leakage between the iron tube and the gas pipe.
To do this, soak the junction with water and soap. Then close the pipe exit hole with your finger and open gas. If you do not see bubble making, there is no leakage. Otherwise, you need to adjust the junction.
Danger!! In the video is tested using a flame but leave this method to experts because in case of leak you should be ready to blow fast and strongly or/and cut gas supply quickly. You could be serious injure if you try this method.
Step 13: Test the Flame
Test the flame
Step 14: Wait 2 Weeks Before Using the Foundry
Wait 2 weeks before using the foundry at least
Step 15: Make Shorter the Intake Tube to 30 to 50 Cm Long
Cut the intake tube to 30 to 50 cm long
Step 16: Heat Up Slowly the Foundry But Without Extra Ventilation
Heat up slowly the foundry but without extra ventilation
Step 17: Put the Blower and Make Your First Casting!
Put the blower and make your first casting!
6 Discussions
6 weeks ago on Step 4
This and others like it would Great and Easier to make if it was NOT in METRIC!!
I don't use Metric & Don't understand it. Can you put both Measurements in your
Plans for the rest of us???
Reply 6 weeks ago
With authors from around the world, I think it's great that they share what they're doing in whatever format they are comfortable with. Sometimes readers from non-US countries complain to me because I share in standard format . . so there's no winning I guess! ; )
If specific measurements are a barrier, there are many online metric converters that can be helpful, like: https://www.metric-conversions.org/length-conversi...
Reply 5 weeks ago
It can also be done by hand, 1"- 25.4 mm. so 50 mm makes 1" rest 24.6mm .4 mm = about 1/64" so the rest is 63/64" If you understand Imperial than this should be a relative simple calculation, that is for most projects like the one we are looking at. for accurate projects like machinery this is of course another matter.
Reply 6 weeks ago
I have added the measurements in US metrics on the description. I hope you find it helpful. I will take it in consideration for future productions.
6 weeks ago
You did a great job on this! I would have to caution you on your method of testing gas leaks though. Why would you use an open flame to see if you have a gas leak? Standard testing method for gas leaks is soap. What you did is quite dangerous and can get someone injured by following your method.
Reply 6 weeks ago
Thank Jason for your feedback! I didn't thought than someone inexpert working with gas may not know how to react in case of leakage flame. I have added a warning at the beginning and also on "Step 12: Test That There Is Not Leakage". Now, it is also explained how to do it safely.