Printable View
I am amassing rather a lot of scrap and there is a limit to the number of balls I want to make. I also have some old jewellery ( hallmarked ) that I want to melt down.
I'm looking at crucibles/scorifiers and tongs/holders.
I will need holders that grip securely as my right hand has a weak grip thanks to an accident years ago.
Is round v square just personal preference or is one easier to use?
I use this type have done for years, have not had any problems https://www.cjservice.com.au/crucible-holder-round
https://www.cjservice.com.au/crucibl...-rnd-76mm-400g
https://www.cjservice.com.au/ingot-mould-reversible
Always keep a couple of spare crucibles, they don't fare well if you drop one.
THank you - yes that's the kind of thing I need. Something that will grip the crucible without me having to keep applying the pressure to hold it closed. My grip is usually OK for most things but my hand will cramp badly at times and that is the last thing I want to happen with a crucible of molten silver.Quote:
Originally Posted by china
Hi caroline , I can highly recommend the Cookson‘s crucibles that are called Scorifiers 2" Square and 3”. I’ve use the 2 inch a lot and find it a perfect proportion for what I’m doing.
This small size suits my torch capabilities which is important to match with this type of smelting.
Item No: 999 AKP
These are really well priced so it doesn’t matter if you get through a few of them, and of course, in theory if you work with various materials you should generally have different Crucible for them. Also a pot of borax powder helps a lot.
I make my own tongs for different crucibles I use, however Cookson‘s tongues look good and are for these square crucibles that are easier to grip and that can hold various sizes.
Have fun… Nick
This sounds like a big step up the ladder……I assume one then must get a rolling mill. Any advice there?
David.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Rolling mill would make life easy although if you are on a budget you can make do with a hammer and anvil, if I were to buy another rolling mill it would be a Pepe, from experience they are just as good as the the so called industry standard, who are about release a new model, (I'm sure it will be a copy of another brand) My opinion only.
Thanks China. I am a sucker for tools so no doubt I will be buying one.(Don’t tell the wife!}
David
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Thanks Nick - That one looked nice - I liked the wooden handle and it looks as if it will hold firmly. No excuse then not to open the Delft clay kit now either.
Luckily I already have the rolling mill. My husband had a very generous moment and I came home one day to find a very heavy surprise parcel from Cooksons with a Durstan in it! It took me a while to get over the shock but I've already used it far more than I anticipated.
Hi caroline,
I find dc casting with scrap very satisfying and rewarding, however being a bit addictive you’ll soon get through your scrap and onto buying casting grain.
I’m sometimes thoroughly entertained by making my own wire, that I seem to get through a lot of when making chains. I manage with my budget rolling mill and few draw place.
So having a Durston you will be well away…. producing endless amounts of beautiful sheet if needed. … all the best Nick
Thanks Nick!
I have a fair number of 1977 Jubilee ingots to work my way through. How my family ended up with so many I have no idea but as they are pretty much only worth scrap value I'm happy to use them as a free source of Sterling! I may keep the 18ct gold one for later in my metal smithing career but it's also on the melt list at some point.
Nice to have caroline,
stacks of silver bullion to melt… an ounce of silver grain is about £20 at the moment. Where as gold is more like £1200 and out of my price range to play with.
Your golden ingot will be well worth keeping for something special one day…. Nick