Hello,

I've been melting down some scrap silver to make balls/nuggets that I flatten out slightly.

I bought a charcoal block which I thought would help with this and it does work much better than using my other soldering blocks.

I've melted a fair amount - say 3 grams (at a time) just to give you an idea. The domed top of the ball is smooth and flattens out nicely but on the bottom surface, there are lots of little air holes which cannot be filed away (I've filed and filed but they don't go). Is this normal for the method I'm using or does anyone know something I don't? ). I know the air holes kind of add a bit of character but I'd prefer a smooth surface on both sides.

I don't do casting at the moment mainly because I don't have a mammoth torch and wouldn't be able to keep a massive butane bottle in the house. However, I sort of wondered if you would still get air holes if you cast some pebbles?

Thanks in advance for anyone willing to entertain my seemingly simple questions.

Lou x