Page 3 of 3 FirstFirst 123
Results 21 to 30 of 30

Thread: Delft Clay Casting

  1. #21
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    322

    Default

    So what's the difference between smelting and melting?

  2. #22
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Nottingham.
    Posts
    84

    Default

    1 s! Duh! Actually i'm not 100% myself but I think it's relating to separating the metals, i.e. extracting the silver from the additives (copper?) and similar with gold etc. I might be wrong but that was my understanding.

  3. #23
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Nottingham.
    Posts
    84

    Default

    Just checked on the OED and this is the posh definition:

    smelt1

    • verb - extract (metal) from its ore by a process involving heating and melting.

  4. #24
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Derbyshire
    Posts
    466

    Default

    Just wondering how everyone got on with the delft clay casting?

  5. #25
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Nottingham.
    Posts
    84

    Default

    I have bought the bits and pieces and ended up buying a butane/propane mix torch from B&Q - it does melt the metal, but takes a while - it says it can reach a temp of 1650 degrees. As for actually casting anything properly yet, I haven't really given it a proper go yet - just too busy... my OH had OFSTED last week so the weekend I got everything I was roped into going in to her school to help get ready, we went to norfolk coast for the weekend and I've been to Paris with work...I think I'm home this weekend so am planning to play around a bit but no doubt it will end up being busy with other boring things that have to be done (cleaning, shopping etc)...

  6. #26
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Nottingham.
    Posts
    84

    Default

    Incidentally - how long should it take to melt silver - I know there are variables, like how much you are trying, but if someone can give me any tangible indication that would be great, and would let me assess the torch I bought.

  7. #27
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Posts
    11

    Default

    I have done a bit of this type of casting in my class - a small hand torch won't produce enough heat in the flame to get the metal really hot to melting point I would suggest. Normally we use a blowtorch with a wide head to produce a bushy flame. The metal has to be heated till it spins and then the flame held over it while you pour very quickly.

    Steady hands and strong nerves required and molten metal very dangerous if lands on you!

    Gerry

  8. #28
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Romsey
    Posts
    5,256

    Default

    A lot of the canister torches suffer from flaring until they've warmed up; I wouldn't tip either of my Bernzomatics until they had run for a minute or two.

    Sievert's easier though, just fractionally less portable.

  9. #29
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Nottingham.
    Posts
    84

    Default

    When I read the instructions (which I rarely do), it did say to leave it on for a minute on a stable surface for at least one minute - just like you suggest Peter. When I've done this it hasn't flared at all (yet).

    Jason - the couple of times I have used it, although it has taken a while to get there, the silver has rolled as you suggest, so I think it may be ok - just not had enough time to play properly yet.

    I cannot really upgrade due to lack of space as well as the safety implications - one day we'll get a bigger house where I can have a room all to myself for all manner of jewellery things!

  10. #30
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    59

    Default

    my torch is evil, i use a cutting torch and it sooner look at a metal then it is melted... evil i tell ye

Similar Threads

  1. Casting.....
    By Dragonsmagic in forum Hot Metal ~ Gold, Silver & Metal Working
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 25-03-2010, 09:12 PM
  2. Lost wax casting
    By cymap in forum Need Help? Ask the Experts!
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 13-01-2010, 03:58 PM
  3. Got so close to getting my delft casting stuff...
    By pauljoels in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 08-10-2009, 05:00 PM
  4. Delf Clay casting.....
    By Lisa Quinn in forum Hot Metal ~ Gold, Silver & Metal Working
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 02-10-2009, 01:20 PM
  5. Casting grain
    By Coco in forum Hot Metal ~ Gold, Silver & Metal Working
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 14-09-2009, 07:56 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •