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Thread: Melting down scrap silver

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
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    Smile Melting down scrap silver

    Hi ,

    I'm wanting to melt scrap silver, and have a sievert torch set up but at the moment the nozzle i'm using does'nt seem to create the flame needed, its model 2941, anybody have any tips on what to use? also what solder boards/blocks are needed to create a hearth to put a graphite crucible encased for melting?
    would be grateful for any suggestions!

    Thanks , Freya

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
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    England
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    How much scrap do you intend melting and for what purpose, are you making fresh sheet, fresh wire or casting? If I am melting silver using a torch, I use scorifiers rather than crucibles, as it is easier to melt the scrap by heating the actual metal rather than heating a crucible, and with some crucible tongs it is easy to pour into a mold with these. Most crucibles are heated in a furnace or a kiln. If you are intent on using a crucble and a torch then you will need to make an enclosure with firebricks and get one of the larger heads available for the sievert, Cousins say the 3524 is good for melting metals; http://www.cousinsuk.com/catalog/5/2056/2572.aspx
    I melt small amounts of 18ct gold scrap in a scorifier using my Smiths Oxy/Propane small torch and I pour it into an open ingot mold for making wires.I usually melt about 30 grams at a time, adding pieces slowly as it melts and fluxing it with powdered borax while melting it, and keeping the flame on the molten blob while pouring it into a mold.

    James

  3. #3
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    Nov 2011
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    hi, thanks for the info! will purchase a sievert nozzle 3524, and could you tell me where you can get a scorifier and for future reference a good dealer for a smith/ oxy/propane torch?

    Many thanks, freya

  4. #4
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    England
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    Cookson sell scorifiers, see; http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery...prcode-999-ATC
    HS Walsh sell the Little Torch see; http://www.hswalsh.com/Little-Torch-...x?i=TB40&c=369
    Some of my contacts have bought these torches cheaply on Ebay, see; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SMITH-LITT...#ht_1283wt_905
    I do not know how they can be sold so cheap and could not guarantee that they are not copies of the originals, but that is just my opinion.
    But please remember if you buy an Oxy/Propane torch you will also have to buy regulators and safety Flash Back valves for each gas line and also hire an Oxygen cylinder, fine if you are setting up a business but a large outlay if you are just a hobby jeweller.
    James

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    cotswolds
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    You may find it easier to use a WHIP system for small quantities - and this will work with a large handheld torch (Go system or Rothenburger plumbers type).

    http://www.palmermetals.co.uk/shop/t...t-pouring.html

    Far, far easier to use (and lighter) than traditional scorifiers.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
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    hi, had a look at the 'little torch', probably works out the same as ebay prices buying from hwalshes, by the time you've paid ppfrom the states and got the regulators/flash back arrestors separately, checked out the rental price of oxygen at £65 per yr at a local boc dealer, see what you mean it is a dear do! lol. Will get a larger nozzle, and use the whip system/from palmer metals, as posted from mizgeorge for the time being as i've bought a reversible sheet/wire ingot mould and seems easier to pour molten metal into this. But for melting gold in future its gonna be the oxy/propane torch.
    Thanks Freya

  7. #7
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    Nov 2011
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    hi , thanks for the advice i agree the WHIP system seems alot better to use, especially for pouring into an ingot mould to cast sheet and wire -it looks lighter! can you confirm when pouring into a mould it has to be oiled? and warmed to avoid splatter?

    freya

  8. #8
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    Freya, if you're looking at a little torch (or similar) consider the option of getting a reconditioned medical oxycon (oxygen generator) rather than renting bottled oxy. It's cheaper, much safer, and very easy to set up.

  9. #9
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    George, if I were to get an oxycon, would I still need to put the bottles outside?

  10. #10
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    You still need bottled propane. However, with reasonable precautions, that's fine kept indoors. I do, and I know a lot of others who do so as well.

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