Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] [OT] melting aluminium

Hi Chris,

Yes! I remember reading about Ron's burners, it's in one the the URL's
I posted. And it SOUNDS like a natural gas one would work. For a
crucible, I've used an old ladle, from W-A-Y back! Something my
grandfather had laying around! An old Iron kettle or pot can be pressed
into service, or I've seen plans using pipe nipples and stuff. Sure
like to try casting some steam engine parts!

For machining aluminum castings, is it still important to cut under the
scale the first time? I've heard that about iron. I'd also be worried
about doing a lot of work on a casting, and then find out it had a void
or sand imbedded in it!

Some of the brass cast parts kits I saw P.R.I.M.E. were crude! I guess
as long as you cut away enough...

Alan KM6VV


Christopher Prosser wrote:

>
> I've built a ron reil style burner. Pretty cool little thing. It took a
> trip to home depot and a really small drill (probably not hard to come
> by in this group). We already had a regulator kicking around as a
> person in the shop is really into fire art. They have melted aluminum
> with it in our forge, but we lack a crucible so we haven't done any
> pouring yet. Its propane fired and I got the stainless flare that he
> mentions in those directions.
> --chris
>
> --- Alan Marconett KM6VV <KM6VV@...> wrote:
> > Hi Chris,
> >
> > I might qualify, I have a simple 6" round base that I cast for an old
> > steam engine, while in H.S.! ;>)
> >
> > Seriously, I have been eyeing the propane (natural gas?) fired
> > furnaces
> > for a while, and found these URL's to be interesting:
> >
> > http://members.nbci.com/HWilkinson/hfa/Jerryt/BYOfurn.htm
> >
> > http://www.webpak.net/~rreil/design.html
> >
> > http://www.webpak.net/~rreil/buildforge.html
> >
> > I don't have ANYTHING yet, unless you count the natural gas piped
> > into
> > the back yard for a sauna/(forge?). I'd LIKE to be able to do
> > ALUMINUM
> > and BRASS.
> >
> > I watched aluminum casting of some steam engine parts at last year's
> > P.R.I.M.E. I was impressed with how the exhibit filled the "yard"
> > (behind exhibit hall) with casting materials. My wife took one look
> > at
> > it, and said words to the effect: "Not in my landscaped backyard!".
> >
> > I would not EVEN attempt to "fire" one up on ELECTRICITY in
> > California!
> > :>(
> >
> > Alan KM6VV