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Thread: Rescuing overheated silver for casting

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2022
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    4

    Default Rescuing overheated silver for casting

    As a new hobbyist, I’m trying delft casting. I was successful with my first piece but last time I used too much silver (grains) for my butane torch (in cold weather), so it didn’t get hot enough and it didn’t pour properly. As I was heating for at least 15 mins, the silver now has a ‘lovely’ green and red hue and looks porous. Can I just remelt it? Should I pickle first? Or is it ruined?
    Thanks for any advice. I’ve only just found this forum so I found what I’d done wrong but don’t have the knowledge to correct it.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
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    Central London
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    Re-melt it with plenty of borax, then pickle, and you will have a button of clean silver. Welcome to the forum Dennis.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2022
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    Many thanks Dennis. I’ll have another go, hopefully the warmer weather might help the torch!

  4. #4
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    Dec 2009
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    Central London
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    A warmer room will help a little, but really it's better to get a bigger torch, even if it is only a DIY plumbing one. Dennis.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Hand Held Torch.jpg  

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2021
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    Bristol
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    288

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    If doing a lot of Delft Clay casting a large torch will really help. It’s so easy to pour prematurely before the metal and crucible are properly hot producing disappointing results … N

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2022
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    Hi, Following your advice on a better torch for my casting, I’ve been bought a sievert torch to go on a propane cylinder. I now find that I can’t buy new cylinders near me from flogas or calor. They are only doing refills or green leisure cylinders (which I understand are low pressure and no use). Does anyone know of any other types of propane cylinder I can use, maybe with an adapter to fit the Sievert POL fitting on the regulator? Or do I just need to scour the country for a cylinder and then go and visit friends near there to collect it! Any safe ideas welcome! Thanks.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
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    Scotland
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    3,392

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    I seem to remember last year post pandemic that there was a shortage of tanks along with building materials and everything else. I guess the situation hasn’t changed from what you say. Maybe you’ll just have to buy a cheap plumbers touch as I see Dennis suggested from B&Q (other hardware stores may be available in your area) until the situation resolves.

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

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    Green leisure cylinders are the same pressure, it's the regulators are no use for a Sievert. Fixed low pressure only.
    If you can locate a dumped cylinder then you should be able to get that refilled. Whether or not that's feasible in your area is another matter - the large ones are often dumped by travellers around here.
    Oh, and Calor are doing away with the smaller cylinder sizes imminently.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    West Midlands
    Posts
    1,533

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    I hard from one of our local large suppliers that they are being charged double to maintain the smaller tanks, which is why they are being phased out. Its all because of EU regulations. Heavens knows what I'll be charged the next time I fill up mine.
    Jules

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2021
    Location
    Bristol
    Posts
    173

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    Quote Originally Posted by HMM View Post
    Hi, Following your advice on a better torch for my casting, I’ve been bought a sievert torch to go on a propane cylinder. I now find that I can’t buy new cylinders near me from flogas or calor. They are only doing refills or green leisure cylinders (which I understand are low pressure and no use). Does anyone know of any other types of propane cylinder I can use, maybe with an adapter to fit the Sievert POL fitting on the regulator? Or do I just need to scour the country for a cylinder and then go and visit friends near there to collect it! Any safe ideas welcome! Thanks.
    Mine came from the local scrap merchant dealer - he had dozens even during lockdown. In fact he has so many he only charged for the gas and I got the tank free!

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