FYI : Cement "cures". It is a reaction that takes place. It does not get strength by drying. That is why they often re-wet during the curing process (if full strength is needed)... it makes it stronger. It can even cure under water. After curing a while.. perhaps a couple of weeks... you can slowly heat it to remove any remaining moisture. Of course a full cure takes much longer than that. You may want to pour your next foundry 6 months before you need it. Yeah, I used to do concrete in my construction business. If you find a way to vibrate that thing (for about 5 minutes after the pour) it will be stronger yet. Use a rubber mallet and tap all around the sides. A few rolls/ wraps of crumpled chicken wire would help too.
Absolutely right. The best thing to do is to inhibit it from drying is putting smaller parts into a plastic bag and the bigger ones under a tarp. The content of water when making the concrete is sufficient for the cure, you just want to keep it from evaporating. In big concrete construction it’s difficult if not impossible to apply tarps, even more when high rising walls etc. need to stay humid. Then they water them with sprinklers or a hose. But that‘s the second best option cause you waste water, you have to do it constantly. If you forget to do it, maybe in a hot summer, the concrete outdoors heats up a lot and when you then restart watering it can get cracks from the abrupt change in temperature.
Concrete requires humidity for a good curing. Most people think it’s the drying that makes it hard. So instead of drying it, even mote so with a lamp, you should have wrapped it right away in a plastic bag and let it sit there for at least a week. The longer the better. The curve of strengthening is highest (gain of strength) in the first days. It then flattens out with time. But even after years it minimally gets harder provided that humidity is maintained.
I'm working in something similar...using crack resistant cement...perlite and plaster...For your mix, you did not use sand...any reason for that ? Thanks. You have a new subscriber!!!
Absolutely excellent. This is the best presentation and easiest to understand on building the furnace. And it comes at the best time as I am getting the things necessary to build my furnace just now. Really do appreciate you sharing your experience on this. Thank you for assembling the whole thing and sharing it!!
Great, hope it helps you Glenn. The video could have been lots better had I known I would be doing a video about it. I would have filmed the whole process had I known but I thought the old footage may help someone. Keep me posted on your build! :)
Just FYI - the furnace cement didn't stick because the finish you applied it to was too smooth. It needs a roughness to bind to. scratching some lines and whatnot into the inside of the furnace will allow the furnace cement to stick. I ran into the same issue with my first furnace. I hope that helps, and thanks for sharing!
Sorry if this has been asked or shown already but can you show the burner setup closer? Looks like a venturi/injector setup. Really enjoying your videos!! Liked and Subscribed!
For the lid pour I was wondering if adding a circle of rebar or wire mesh, for concrete pours, would help eliminate the cracking in the lid. Also what is the thought process in the height and position of the gas tube into the furnace? Great video and you have a new subscriber, Thanks
Mesh woulda been helpful but I like the new one made from sheet metal from a dryer and 1" of ceramic wool better(lighter, simpler). The gas tube should enter at the level of the bottom of the crucible to ensure heating of the entire crucible and its contents, if crucible is on a pedestal...make that adjustment. Thanks for subscribing! :)
I have realised that the internet is very useful, because everything I need U get it .Can you give me notes on aluminum production from bauxite, you have inspired me a lot. Thank you very much
hi there, thanks for the video. could you please tell me when you measure the perlite and cement, you state the percentages. was that by weight or volume. 60% perlite and 40% cement? thanks Max
Makin Sumthin From Nuthin thank you for this useful video could you please tell me could I add steel wool to reinforce the concrete or should I leave it and also I thought Perlite expands so wouldn't the furnace crack. And what size bucket is that in litres
You are most welcome....I dont believe steel wool is necessary. I am thinking it will create more problems than it solves. Fine Steel Wool goes up in flames like a cotton ball when you put a match to it. This furnace is still being used today after 18 months of use, it developed hairline cracks after extended use but hasnt started to disintegrate or crumble. Perlite doesnt expand, you are thinking of vermiculite...do NOT use that. I think the container is 6 gallon trash can.
Awesome video! Seems like a lot of people like to use the ceramic wool in their builds. Was that a hotspot on the side of the furnace? Seemed a little bright maybe sun or rust, I can't wait for mine to be finished to start working with it.
Thanks, not my best work IMO. Didn't know at the time I was gonna do a video on it, put it up to help y'all if anyone needed some ideas. The pail I picked up on a craigslist run, was like that when I got it, hence the free price. LOL My next furnace will be wool, but this is a REALLY cheap alternative for those starting out, it must be fully dried and cured before melting aluminum however.
No, dont "need" mortar over it. Some peeple do...I wouldnt tho.... 2" of wool is all anyone would need, need to put Rigidizer on the wool tho. In my Brass Furnace video I put ITC100 on the wool for maximum heat retention....no mortar tho
subbed! I've been watching your (and others) videos, learning all I can and wanted you to know that you're helping us a lot, appreciate it, so thank you. Looking forward to build my own!
what do you think about kaowool? to make the furnace out of instead? for just aluminium. i plan on building a steel one later but going cheap and lower heat to learn more
Ceramic wool is a fine choice to use for a foundry furnace. This type is the poor man's version. I have a video on making my little brass furnace out of ceramic wool if ya wanna take a look :)
The thicker the insulation the better, 2" is as much as one would need but 1" will work. See my video on the brass melting furnace...that one is just 1" of ceramic wool...works great :)
Makin Sumthin From Nuthin thanks for replying yea I saw it I can't find it again to comment on and ask about. thank you I was wandering since the price for 1"is half that of 2" I think ill do one and if I see damage ill add another layer
The only damage that will occur will be by you...the heat doesnt damage the wool...be careful working around it (putting in crucibles...removal of crucible, using tongs, adding aluminum etc)
I noticed on one of your earlier videos, but can't find it now, that you run your furnace burner at 8 psi. And it was showing so on your gauge. Might be a silly question but how do you limit the pressure to this 8 psi. What does this? Thank you in advance.
try this half clay powder half charcoal powder mixed with glycerine whitch can be extracted from old oil with ethenol or methanol. you now have a ceramic polimer that can stand the heat and store it. just an idea tho never tried it yet need me some ethanol yay!
I have access to some ceramic blanket and stuff called kaowool. I may try that. I have built my crucible from 6" sch40 with a 3/16 bottom and 1/4" eyebolts with the threads cut off and welded to the top and one on the bottom.
Jared, that is absolutely the right stuff to use. What I used is a cheaper "alternative" as kaowool is kinda pricey. Be sure & use rigidizer on the wool after application and sodium silicate is a great fireproof adhesive to use for the wool. Keep me posted on the build!
Really like your explanatory videos on the subject. I may have missed it elsewhere, so I apologize if it was already covered. Do you have any detail on the heat source/burner itself? Does it use propane similar to a portable barbecue? Oh wait, did someone say barbecued ribs?
At what point did you add the burner tube hole in your refractory and how did you do that? I know your burner is a 3/4" black pipe. Do you have a larger pipe embedded in the refractory side wall?
Do you if I could use this same idea as a knife making forge .??? I know you have made a vid on one but would like to know if it would work as a forge just because it a very straight forward idea thanks in advance
I think this one would be overkill for knife making. You may want to see my video on the $5.00 foundry furnace. Its a small forge I used vertically to melt some aluminum but its made for doing small stuff such as knives. Watch it and I think you will agree if used horizontally may just be the ticket for you :)
I'll tell ya your a proper gent thank you for the quick response checked out the vid will be perfect May just alter it slightly and use you perlite recipe nice one m8
Could you use plaster of paris with sand and water? Is there any galvanized steel in this build? How long will this last? Where did you get the crucible? How are you this awesome but have so few subscribers? Whats the square root of the heighth of the empire state building?
yes you could use plaster of paris but it wont last very long it turns to dust after a few melts, my guess is that it will last a while he used perlite and thats pretty good at withstanding heat, in this video he uses a steel crucible he made but you can buy graphite ones online also no need to be impatient about him not replying he can reply to whoever he likes whenever he likes
I might have to try this I have know experience in doing this at all and wanna try taking scrap metal and making stuff out of it instead of letting it go to waste
I'd be honored if you copied the design and filmed it. Just give credit where credit is due if you dont mind 👍🏼 Would like to see someone elses version of my build :)
I have melted brass in this one once but the heat was hard on the refractory, more suited for aluminum. See my other video call BRASS CASTING FURNACE-EZ BUILD. That little furnace easily melts brass quickly, I dont think cast iron would be a problem either in it. I have a third video of a shell I casted in brass if ya wanna look thru my videos to check it out :)
+Makin Sumthin From Nuthin Thanks a lot. I'm kind of TH-cam stalking your videos. I'm really impressed by your vids. You've done a service to the beginners in the metalworking community like myself.
+Makin Sumthin From Nuthin oh i already subscribed! I'm going to be sandcasting a bronze blade in the style of an ancient Greek weapon to celebrate my family's Greek heritage. Your videos are going to help me do that.
Nice! Please share your results. I have plenty of vids on preparing the sand molds, making the sand, crucibles, flasks, furnaces...burners....hopefully they will help :)
Although this has served me well and still works fine, I would go with ceramic wool if I had to redo this refractory. Once the liner totally fails I will scrap the conical shaped trash can and go with vertical walls rather than tapered. I already have two 30 gallon drums I acquired just for this purpose. The heat ramps up much faster and is retained better using wool and ITC 100 than the perlite/cement refractory as evidenced by my forge videos but for a poor man's aluminum furnace this is a cheap way of making one for those just getting started and dont want to spend alot of $$ :)
Hi, yes I do have videos on my foundry furnace burner build as well as my forge burner build....both are nearly identical as far as how they are made and are interchangeable....between the two I think you will get a grasp of how to make one yourself pretty easily (see below) th-cam.com/video/VuXMs7MI8UY/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/qzrLx1eL9sg/w-d-xo.html
There is a 1" hole drilled thru at an angle where the burner slides into, I support the burner on the outside with a cinder block. This can be seen in my other videos where I do some casting
Let thoroughly dry out for 7-10 days, then do a number of extremely low temp burns for short periods (5 min or less) with 1/2 hour in between to evacuate the remainder of the moisture. Best tips I can give ya. Alot of peeple put too much heat too fast to their furnaces
YW, If in a hurry you can use ceramic wool instead of perlite & portland. I have a vid on one of those also (BRASS CASTING FURNACE). Much more expensive to make tho, but lots lighter! :)
To avoid cracking you might add some reinforcement like chicken wire. You used a different recipe, portland cement and perlite instead of plaster of Paris.
The foundry has many hairline cracks, but has not crumbled or disintegrated in any way as of yet and its been about 18 months or so since making it.....just the hairline cracks. It still fully functional and usable and will have some casting videos soon so please subscribe. Where the flame from the burner 1st hits the wall has some deterioration, and has lost about 1/8" or so in an area the size of a 4" circle....but its approx 2" thick down there so not a problem :)
i am actually going to make a video today using ur 40% perlite and 60% concrete in my video. i will gladly give your name a shout out and put u in the description if you would like that also (:
Cool, thanks, that would be great. Only add enough water to makes a sticky mess out of it....not runny....rather on the dry side. Ram well and tightly pack in layer after layer till done. Would like to see the vid. Send link :)
Hey can you recomment a substitue material for makeing the middle since i dont have a large sewage pipe lying around and because you said it was difficult to remove
A thick cardboard tube would be ideal because it could easily be cut out to remove.....or if push came to shove it could be simply burned out by inserting the burner once the furnace has fully dried. They sell them at the big box stores
+Makin Sumthin From Nuthin Thank you, you do so much for all of your followers it is amazing. You answer any questions, you are super helpful and I think that what you do is amazing. Alot of youtubers just make the videos and dont do much more but you really help people make these builds and its amazing how helpful you are. Please keep up what you are doing!
PS: If thick cardboard tube is used be sure to tape up the bottom to seal it and fill it totally with sand before ramming the mixture along the sides. The sand will keep the form from collapsing from the weight of the concrete as well as help keep it in place :)
Just centered so the flame swirls around the crucible. I only use fire extinguishers that have a flat bottom. You can see my videos on making one of these crucibles if you look in my video list
Hi, can you edit your video and clarify that information in the description? For the future people that will be overwhelmed by the amount of question/comment. Since you video was posted recently, it might be a good idea to do it.
Gaige, if you do a bit of welding or have a friend that does.....a length of heavy gauge steel pipe with a thick flat plate welded to the bottom would work well and last a very long time. Just be sure it is not galvanized pipe as galvanized pipe is coated with zinc (example: chain link fence pipe)
OK so I liked the whole process but at the end you said the one you made here only lasted for about 15 melts and then it developed cracks and eventually broke. But the one you used in the very beginning has lasted alot longer. Why did you show us how you constructed the less reliable one instead of the higher quality one? Is there another video where you show how to make the better foundry furnace? I'm non-plussed here.
LMAO I thought I did sub but must of miss clicked, I am still working on making the sand and frames.. I jumped more into blacksmithing, but casting looked fun and I have a lot of cans so figured I would give it a go..
Glad I found your channel. What are your thoughts on using an inner steel liner and filling the outer core with perlite or sand and skipping the plaster? I have no idea if it would work, but I would like to hear your thoughts. Two issues I can foresee, the perlite/sand shifting around the gas inlet and leaking, and finding a source for the inner steel liner. Thanks again for sharing this, really nice build.
Interesting concept, I would use perlite if I were to do it that way. I am always interested in what others try and their results so please share if you do it. Thanks for Watching...consider subscribing! :)
Generally used for gardening, its an extremely light expanded rock that is white and looks like bits of Styrofoam. It is available at a landscape supply company. It has tremendous insulating qualities :)
Only "social media" I have is right here. If you want to post your email address in a comment here I will copy the address and delete your post, then email you. Up to you sir.....
Share your crucible problem here Gaige, lotsa great people on TH-cam that may have found themselves in a similar dilemma and can offer their suggestions on alternatives to my fire extinguishers.
Appreciate short/concise ! And no noisy, worthless background music. Good video.
thx my friend
FYI : Cement "cures". It is a reaction that takes place. It does not get strength by drying. That is why they often re-wet during the curing process (if full strength is needed)... it makes it stronger. It can even cure under water. After curing a while.. perhaps a couple of weeks... you can slowly heat it to remove any remaining moisture. Of course a full cure takes much longer than that.
You may want to pour your next foundry 6 months before you need it. Yeah, I used to do concrete in my construction business. If you find a way to vibrate that thing (for about 5 minutes after the pour) it will be stronger yet. Use a rubber mallet and tap all around the sides. A few rolls/ wraps of crumpled chicken wire would help too.
That thing has taken a beating from heat but still intact and works well to this day, thx for watching
Absolutely right. The best thing to do is to inhibit it from drying is putting smaller parts into a plastic bag and the bigger ones under a tarp. The content of water when making the concrete is sufficient for the cure, you just want to keep it from evaporating. In big concrete construction it’s difficult if not impossible to apply tarps, even more when high rising walls etc. need to stay humid. Then they water them with sprinklers or a hose. But that‘s the second best option cause you waste water, you have to do it constantly. If you forget to do it, maybe in a hot summer, the concrete outdoors heats up a lot and when you then restart watering it can get cracks from the abrupt change in temperature.
Yeah, I believe it reacts with carbon dioxide from the air.
The panel saw got me good. Just great
Concrete requires humidity for a good curing.
Most people think it’s the drying that makes it hard.
So instead of drying it, even mote so with a lamp, you should have wrapped it right away in a plastic bag and let it sit there for at least a week. The longer the better. The curve of strengthening is highest (gain of strength) in the first days. It then flattens out with time. But even after years it minimally gets harder provided that humidity is maintained.
I was about to comment similar to this.
Covering it with soaked Hessian also works well.
Spray with water if it dries out.
I'm working in something similar...using crack resistant cement...perlite and plaster...For your mix, you did not use sand...any reason for that ? Thanks. You have a new subscriber!!!
no sand, I was just fumbling my way along, just as you are doing. Its still intact and functional
Have you thought of using hey ceramic glaze to protect the walls of your furnace?
sure haven't, no need, it will get destroyed and replaced anyway
@@MakinSumthinFromNuthin , thanks for the feed back
Helped me out a whole lot. I appreciate u documenting ur trial & errors so that i may make less.
Hope it helps you out. Good Luck with your build :)
Nice and simple. Cheers. I'm glad to hear it's held up for you. Im going to give it a try. Thanks.
Brass & copper temps takes its toll on this type. If doing a lot of brass use ceramic wool, I have a video on making one of those :)
Absolutely excellent. This is the best presentation and easiest to understand on building the furnace. And it comes at the best time as I am getting the things necessary to build my furnace just now. Really do appreciate you sharing your experience on this. Thank you for assembling the whole thing and sharing it!!
Great, hope it helps you Glenn. The video could have been lots better had I known I would be doing a video about it. I would have filmed the whole process had I known but I thought the old footage may help someone. Keep me posted on your build! :)
I understand, but what you had was excellent. And will let you know how mine comes along.
Thanks Much! Best of luck on your build, this is why I dug up this old stuff....to see if I could help someone! :)
Perfect mate. This was all I needed to build one. Thanks.
Great, the one in this video has taken some abuse from heat but still works good to this day!
i know this is an old video, but how is it holding so far?
still usable to this day
Just FYI - the furnace cement didn't stick because the finish you applied it to was too smooth. It needs a roughness to bind to. scratching some lines and whatnot into the inside of the furnace will allow the furnace cement to stick. I ran into the same issue with my first furnace. I hope that helps, and thanks for sharing!
Good point you make there. I noticed that as well while the furnace was in its molting stage and shedding its furnace cement skin :)
Thanks for the video! I'm going to check out your brass foundry video next.
Thanks Scott! I appreciate you watching! :)
I normally build my own stuff. But I do to much of that at work. I bought a devil forge. We'll see if it lives up to the hype.
Sorry if this has been asked or shown already but can you show the burner setup closer? Looks like a venturi/injector setup. Really enjoying your videos!! Liked and Subscribed!
TJ, I did a video on the burner that may help... th-cam.com/video/VuXMs7MI8UY/w-d-xo.html
For the lid pour I was wondering if adding a circle of rebar or wire mesh, for concrete pours, would help eliminate the cracking in the lid.
Also what is the thought process in the height and position of the gas tube into the furnace?
Great video and you have a new subscriber, Thanks
Mesh woulda been helpful but I like the new one made from sheet metal from a dryer and 1" of ceramic wool better(lighter, simpler). The gas tube should enter at the level of the bottom of the crucible to ensure heating of the entire crucible and its contents, if crucible is on a pedestal...make that adjustment. Thanks for subscribing! :)
May I ask what is the new top? You just describe it as "dryer". I don't know what you mean. Thank you.
Excellent Video, short and sweet with all the essentials needed to build one.
Thanks Dusty! Hope it helped you :)
I have realised that the internet is very useful, because everything I need U get it .Can you give me notes on aluminum production from bauxite, you have inspired me a lot. Thank you very much
Thats smelting...I have no knowledge of that at all. I just melt the finished product called aluminum
hi there, thanks for the video. could you please tell me when you measure the perlite and cement, you state the percentages. was that by weight or volume. 60% perlite and 40% cement? thanks Max
I did it by volume (ex: 6 cups perlite. To 4 cups portland) thx for watching Max :)
Makin Sumthin From Nuthin many thanks, enjoy your videos. keep up the great work 😉
Thank you sir
Makin Sumthin From Nuthin thank you for this useful video could you please tell me could I add steel wool to reinforce the concrete or should I leave it and also I thought Perlite expands so wouldn't the furnace crack. And what size bucket is that in litres
You are most welcome....I dont believe steel wool is necessary. I am thinking it will create more problems than it solves. Fine Steel Wool goes up in flames like a cotton ball when you put a match to it. This furnace is still being used today after 18 months of use, it developed hairline cracks after extended use but hasnt started to disintegrate or crumble. Perlite doesnt expand, you are thinking of vermiculite...do NOT use that. I think the container is 6 gallon trash can.
Awesome video! Seems like a lot of people like to use the ceramic wool in their builds. Was that a hotspot on the side of the furnace? Seemed a little bright maybe sun or rust, I can't wait for mine to be finished to start working with it.
Thanks, not my best work IMO. Didn't know at the time I was gonna do a video on it, put it up to help y'all if anyone needed some ideas. The pail I picked up on a craigslist run, was like that when I got it, hence the free price. LOL
My next furnace will be wool, but this is a REALLY cheap alternative for those starting out, it must be fully dried and cured before melting aluminum however.
I want to try wool, you dont have to put morter over it right just wool?
No, dont "need" mortar over it. Some peeple do...I wouldnt tho....
2" of wool is all anyone would need, need to put Rigidizer on the wool tho. In my Brass Furnace video I put ITC100 on the wool for maximum heat retention....no mortar tho
good to know
how much ITC100 or more importantly, how do you know when you have prepped it properly?
Your burner....do you used forces air with your propane? Can you melt copper with that?
I can and have melted copper with it as is with no forced air. Its the top limit of the design, if I melted copper often I would add forced air
You mixed the perlite to Portland cement at 60:40 ratio... was that just pure Portland cement or was it mixed with sand also?
Pure portland....no sand at all
Thanks
subbed! I've been watching your (and others) videos, learning all I can and wanted you to know that you're helping us a lot, appreciate it, so thank you. Looking forward to build my own!
Thanks, learn all you can and keep me posted on your progress! :)
what do you think about kaowool? to make the furnace out of instead? for just aluminium. i plan on building a steel one later but going cheap and lower heat to learn more
Ceramic wool is a fine choice to use for a foundry furnace. This type is the poor man's version. I have a video on making my little brass furnace out of ceramic wool if ya wanna take a look :)
Makin Sumthin From Nuthin does it matter if I do 2" thick or 1" thick
The thicker the insulation the better, 2" is as much as one would need but 1" will work. See my video on the brass melting furnace...that one is just 1" of ceramic wool...works great :)
Makin Sumthin From Nuthin thanks for replying yea I saw it I can't find it again to comment on and ask about. thank you I was wandering since the price for 1"is half that of 2" I think ill do one and if I see damage ill add another layer
The only damage that will occur will be by you...the heat doesnt damage the wool...be careful working around it (putting in crucibles...removal of crucible, using tongs, adding aluminum etc)
I noticed on one of your earlier videos, but can't find it now, that you run your furnace burner at 8 psi. And it was showing so on your gauge. Might be a silly question but how do you limit the pressure to this 8 psi. What does this? Thank you in advance.
I average 8-9 PSI on melts, I use an adjustable regulator and pressure gauge to dial me in where I want to be. Not a silly question at all.
What is the advantage to running it at 8 PSI versus a higher PSI? Other then saving on propane.
try this half clay powder half charcoal powder mixed with glycerine whitch can be extracted from old oil with ethenol or methanol. you now have a ceramic polimer that can stand the heat and store it. just an idea tho never tried it yet need me some ethanol yay!
Interesting stuff!, if you give it a try let me know ok, would be interested in your results :)
Great video MSFN! Thx for the tips and info, well appreciated.
Thanks Moose, best of luck to ya :)
I have access to some ceramic blanket and stuff called kaowool. I may try that. I have built my crucible from 6" sch40 with a 3/16 bottom and 1/4" eyebolts with the threads cut off and welded to the top and one on the bottom.
Jared, that is absolutely the right stuff to use. What I used is a cheaper "alternative" as kaowool is kinda pricey. Be sure & use rigidizer on the wool after application and sodium silicate is a great fireproof adhesive to use for the wool. Keep me posted on the build!
+Makin Sumthin From Nuthin Sure thing.
Also, look into biodegradable kaowool.
Nice to see another creator on the channel, thanks for stoppin in! :)
Really like your explanatory videos on the subject. I may have missed it elsewhere, so I apologize if it was already covered. Do you have any detail on the heat source/burner itself? Does it use propane similar to a portable barbecue? Oh wait, did someone say barbecued ribs?
Same propane as BBQ, cant use a BBQ regulator tho, they are usually 5 PSI. I have videos up about the burners....some better than others...LOL
I am on it. Thanks..
At what point did you add the burner tube hole in your refractory and how did you do that? I know your burner is a 3/4" black pipe. Do you have a larger pipe embedded in the refractory side wall?
The 3/4 black pipe has an outside diameter of 1". I used a 1" hole saw to cut the hole for the burner
I see, so did you cut through the perlite cement mix side wall after it cured, or sooner?
I cut thru it after about 2 days once the cement/perlite mixture set, I just went slow & easy, went right through it :)
Thanks!
Very helpful video. Many thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
ill reword tht last one. how long did it take until it started to ware and tare on u?
So how did the foundry build go?
Do you if I could use this same idea as a knife making forge .??? I know you have made a vid on one but would like to know if it would work as a forge just because it a very straight forward idea thanks in advance
I think this one would be overkill for knife making. You may want to see my video on the $5.00 foundry furnace. Its a small forge I used vertically to melt some aluminum but its made for doing small stuff such as knives. Watch it and I think you will agree if used horizontally may just be the ticket for you :)
I'll tell ya your a proper gent thank you for the quick response checked out the vid will be perfect May just alter it slightly and use you perlite recipe nice one m8
Ohh, I would just put 1" of ceramic wool in it instead of plaster and call it a day. See my video of my "Brass Furnace Build"...same concept
Could you use plaster of paris with sand and water? Is there any galvanized steel in this build? How long will this last? Where did you get the crucible? How are you this awesome but have so few subscribers? Whats the square root of the heighth of the empire state building?
please respond you have responded to comments since i posted these questions
yes you could use plaster of paris but it wont last very long it turns to dust after a few melts, my guess is that it will last a while he used perlite and thats pretty good at withstanding heat, in this video he uses a steel crucible he made but you can buy graphite ones online
also no need to be impatient about him not replying he can reply to whoever he likes whenever he likes
+DIY Jet Engine Guy thank you and suscribed
I might have to try this I have know experience in doing this at all and wanna try taking scrap metal and making stuff out of it instead of letting it go to waste
We all started somewhere...no time like the present!! :) I have vids showing all aspects of casting.
Would you mind if I copied what you did and made a video on it
I'd be honored if you copied the design and filmed it. Just give credit where credit is due if you dont mind 👍🏼
Would like to see someone elses version of my build :)
Do you think a setup like this would be up to the task of melting/casting bronze?
I have melted brass in this one once but the heat was hard on the refractory, more suited for aluminum. See my other video call BRASS CASTING FURNACE-EZ BUILD. That little furnace easily melts brass quickly, I dont think cast iron would be a problem either in it. I have a third video of a shell I casted in brass if ya wanna look thru my videos to check it out :)
+Makin Sumthin From Nuthin Thanks a lot. I'm kind of TH-cam stalking your videos. I'm really impressed by your vids. You've done a service to the beginners in the metalworking community like myself.
Thanks for the kind words. Stalk away....its why I put them up!
Consider subscribing! :)
+Makin Sumthin From Nuthin oh i already subscribed!
I'm going to be sandcasting a bronze blade in the style of an ancient Greek weapon to celebrate my family's Greek heritage. Your videos are going to help me do that.
Nice! Please share your results. I have plenty of vids on preparing the sand molds, making the sand, crucibles, flasks, furnaces...burners....hopefully they will help :)
Thanks for taking the time to make the video! what fuel do you use? it seemed to light pretty easily so I'm assuming propane correct?
Yes, that was propane. I am working on a waste oil system to save on fuel costs but still wurkin out the bugs. Thx for watching! :)
Would you recommend the ceramic wool over the refractory, like your forge?
Although this has served me well and still works fine, I would go with ceramic wool if I had to redo this refractory. Once the liner totally fails I will scrap the conical shaped trash can and go with vertical walls rather than tapered. I already have two 30 gallon drums I acquired just for this purpose.
The heat ramps up much faster and is retained better using wool and ITC 100 than the perlite/cement refractory as evidenced by my forge videos but for a poor man's aluminum furnace this is a cheap way of making one for those just getting started and dont want to spend alot of $$ :)
Thank you, also did you get your rigidizer locally or online? Locally would be nice I'm in Lakeland not far from you I think.
I ordered mine online but just check with local pottery suppliers. They sell it. No, you are not far, I am just South of Brandon :)
About how much perlite and cement did you use for the project?
I dont recall exact quanties used but it wasnt a whole lot. Perlite is best bought at a garden & landscape supply than big box stores...tons cheaper
I will check that out. Thanks for the reply!
Was your 60-40 mix based on weight or volume? Looks like volume in the video.
Is there any video on how you built your burner?
Hi, yes I do have videos on my foundry furnace burner build as well as my forge burner build....both are nearly identical as far as how they are made and are interchangeable....between the two I think you will get a grasp of how to make one yourself pretty easily (see below)
th-cam.com/video/VuXMs7MI8UY/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/qzrLx1eL9sg/w-d-xo.html
How is the burner attached to your aluminum foundry?
There is a 1" hole drilled thru at an angle where the burner slides into, I support the burner on the outside with a cinder block. This can be seen in my other videos where I do some casting
Can we get all these meterials easily in India as well?
how did you make the pips and air regulator on the side to make your fire
I have a video about the burner assembly posted if thats what you are referring to, please check that one out. Thx for watching :)
So how long has this furnace lasted and in what kind of condition is it in right now?
Made it last summer, has over 50 melts so far, 2 being brass & copper. Has some cracks from heat stress but doesnt affect performance
+Makin Sumthin From Nuthin Thx. I'm going to try to use your mixture when I make my next furnace.
Any tips to help me out when I'm making the furnace?
Let thoroughly dry out for 7-10 days, then do a number of extremely low temp burns for short periods (5 min or less) with 1/2 hour in between to evacuate the remainder of the moisture. Best tips I can give ya. Alot of peeple put too much heat too fast to their furnaces
+Makin Sumthin From Nuthin Ok thank you
YW, If in a hurry you can use ceramic wool instead of perlite & portland. I have a vid on one of those also (BRASS CASTING FURNACE). Much more expensive to make tho, but lots lighter! :)
To avoid cracking you might add some reinforcement like chicken wire. You used a different recipe, portland cement and perlite instead of plaster of Paris.
Your 60% 40% mix... Is it by weight or volume?
Hi, its by volume...I thought I put that in the vid. Good luck with your build :-)
Thanks
has the foundry cracked or crumbled yet?
The foundry has many hairline cracks, but has not crumbled or disintegrated in any way as of yet and its been about 18 months or so since making it.....just the hairline cracks. It still fully functional and usable and will have some casting videos soon so please subscribe. Where the flame from the burner 1st hits the wall has some deterioration, and has lost about 1/8" or so in an area the size of a 4" circle....but its approx 2" thick down there so not a problem :)
Makin Sumthin From Nuthin ok thank you for your feedback. i just subscribed to your channel and would love to see more like it (:
i am actually going to make a video today using ur 40% perlite and 60% concrete in my video. i will gladly give your name a shout out and put u in the description if you would like that also (:
Cool, thanks, that would be great. Only add enough water to makes a sticky mess out of it....not runny....rather on the dry side. Ram well and tightly pack in layer after layer till done. Would like to see the vid. Send link :)
Make sure you use pure portland cement......and not mortar mix. Good luck with the build!
Hey can you recomment a substitue material for makeing the middle since i dont have a large sewage pipe lying around and because you said it was difficult to remove
A thick cardboard tube would be ideal because it could easily be cut out to remove.....or if push came to shove it could be simply burned out by inserting the burner once the furnace has fully dried. They sell them at the big box stores
+Makin Sumthin From Nuthin Thank you, you do so much for all of your followers it is amazing. You answer any questions, you are super helpful and I think that what you do is amazing. Alot of youtubers just make the videos and dont do much more but you really help people make these builds and its amazing how helpful you are. Please keep up what you are doing!
Thanks for the kind words Nathan, good luck with the build! Keep us all posted! :)
PS: If thick cardboard tube is used be sure to tape up the bottom to seal it and fill it totally with sand before ramming the mixture along the sides. The sand will keep the form from collapsing from the weight of the concrete as well as help keep it in place :)
+Makin Sumthin From Nuthin Brilliant thanks
Could I ask how the crucible sits in the furnace?
Just centered so the flame swirls around the crucible. I only use fire extinguishers that have a flat bottom. You can see my videos on making one of these crucibles if you look in my video list
Makin Sumthin From Nuthin So the gas burns around the crucible? I guess I was thinking about charcoal and wondering how it'd fit :)
Yes, I use propane. I have never used charcoal
Can you describe how you make the burner you have?
I have videos on just the burners I use if you care to look :)
@@MakinSumthinFromNuthin thanks!
I watched this video th-cam.com/video/VuXMs7MI8UY/w-d-xo.html
Is the pipe open in the back to suck in air? Simple and genius construction 👍
Yes, simply for airflow :)
Is the 60% -40% by weight or by volume?
Volume James, the perlite is as light as styrofoam and the cement is heavy as he## as we all know. Sry I didnt specify. Thx for watching! :)
Hi, can you edit your video and clarify that information in the description? For the future people that will be overwhelmed by the amount of question/comment. Since you video was posted recently, it might be a good idea to do it.
Good idea Rich! Will do that as soon as I can get to my desktop computer :)
Video and Description updated Richard :)
Two days in the sun at my place would dry foundery real good.
Where ya live Mike?
hey guys I've been working a forge for a while and have been using the wrong crucible I need a good idea for a crucible something extremely cheap
Gaige, if you do a bit of welding or have a friend that does.....a length of heavy gauge steel pipe with a thick flat plate welded to the bottom would work well and last a very long time. Just be sure it is not galvanized pipe as galvanized pipe is coated with zinc (example: chain link fence pipe)
OK so I liked the whole process but at the end you said the one you made here only lasted for about 15 melts and then it developed cracks and eventually broke. But the one you used in the very beginning has lasted alot longer. Why did you show us how you constructed the less reliable one instead of the higher quality one? Is there another video where you show how to make the better foundry furnace? I'm non-plussed here.
The one pictured in the video is still in use today, using the perlite in the cement mixture
howd you hook up the gas?
Just used the existing gas fittings on my propane set-up
I have videos on my burner setups if you care to check them out
Nice build, I just made my 2nd one about the same way LOL
Sweet, they work great. Consider subscribin....U got any casting vids up ?
LMAO I thought I did sub but must of miss clicked, I am still working on making the sand and frames.. I jumped more into blacksmithing, but casting looked fun and I have a lot of cans so figured I would give it a go..
Great!, I have vids up on how to make the flasks (frames) AND also how to make the green sand :)
Glad I found your channel. What are your thoughts on using an inner steel liner and filling the outer core with perlite or sand and skipping the plaster? I have no idea if it would work, but I would like to hear your thoughts. Two issues I can foresee, the perlite/sand shifting around the gas inlet and leaking, and finding a source for the inner steel liner. Thanks again for sharing this, really nice build.
Interesting concept, I would use perlite if I were to do it that way. I am always interested in what others try and their results so please share if you do it. Thanks for Watching...consider subscribing! :)
How much propane does it use?
Approx 1.2 lbs of propane by weight per melt on average. Propane weighs approx 4.2 lbs per gallon
+Makin Sumthin From Nuthin awesome, thanks for the reply
What what is perlite.??
Generally used for gardening, its an extremely light expanded rock that is white and looks like bits of Styrofoam. It is available at a landscape supply company. It has tremendous insulating qualities :)
Makin Sumthin From Nuthin tnx!
YW....... I meant to say "gardening" in my other comment...I corrected it :)
Makin Sumthin From Nuthin oh now i know what it is!! Should i use powder or those small pellets?
Dont confuse Perlite with Vermiculite....the latter wont work. They are totally different. Perlite is white, looks like styrofoam
Instead of furnace cement, or refractory cement, use castable refractory cement.
Even better! Thanks for watching & Happy Holidays! 😊🎉
I have a idea I'd like to have your help with if you'd email to talk more if have the time if not I understand
I sent you a message
+Makin Sumthin From Nuthin I can't find it do you have a social media we can talk on I'm sorry for this hassle over some simple private idea
Only "social media" I have is right here. If you want to post your email address in a comment here I will copy the address and delete your post, then email you. Up to you sir.....
Share your crucible problem here Gaige, lotsa great people on TH-cam that may have found themselves in a similar dilemma and can offer their suggestions on alternatives to my fire extinguishers.
Subscribed :P
Thanks Simon, I appreciate ya! :)
can I pay you for one
Possibly if you can pick up locally from the Tampa, FL area. They weigh like 40+lbs or so and I am not set up as a shipper. Its a fun DIY project.
It cracked because you use cement, not recommended
Well hell "kind of a fiasco-but worked well".. seems you are ready for MARRIAGE !!
the word you want for the pail is SCABROUS !!
This aint NASA with billion $$ budgets....it's MAKIN SUMTHIN FROM NUTHIN !! 😎
Scabrous wurks for me if it means $0.00 :)