This is so simple it may blow your mind. I'm using a DC arc welder, a graphite crucible and kinetic sand (it's a kids toy) to cast aluminum parts.
Solderer
This is so simple it may blow your mind. I'm using a DC arc welder, a graphite crucible and kinetic sand (it's a kids toy) to cast aluminum parts.
WeldingWeb Apprentice
Did the sand return to its original state after it cooled down? Just want to know if it would be reusable.
Oh! Awesome idea by the way! Has some potential, I just happen to have some kinetic sand, a dc stick welder and some scrap aluminium... Hmmm... Off to the LWS to grab some carbon gouging rods!
Master Welder
superuk; very cool. btw, loved the interruption during the narration.
i.u.o.e. # 15
queens, ny and sunny fla
Moderator
I found this very interesting
Would it have been easier to use an AC welder and two carbon arc rods?
Basically the old carbon arc torch used to heat bolts and such.
If you did this you'd have a nice steady arc that wouldn't go out.
Your video led me to look up this DIY crucible process.
Dave J.
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Tried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
WeldingWeb Artisan
Wow!!! That is incredible. I doubt I'll ever have reason to use that, but I have some carbon rods laying on the shelf
Yeah, I know, but it'll be ok!
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Solderer
The dye in the sand has turned grey, but otherwise flows the same as before.Originally Posted by Sheyda36
WeldingWeb Apprentice
Cool! I will have to try this!
Moderator
Basically a miniature version of an electric arc furnace like they use to melt steel. ( I can't find the really good video some one here posted up a while back.)
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WeldingWeb Craftsman
Where does a person get graphite crucibles?
Moderator
Jewelry supply houses or casting suppliers have them available. Also check art supply places.
Quick one I pulled off my saved list when I was thinking about making a gas fired furnace to cast alum. I may have other suppliers on my other computer.
http://www.budgetcastingsupply.com/F...les-s/1830.htm
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No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!
Ronald Reagan
Master Welder
I saw this the other day... I'm definitely going to try it.
Solderer
I got mine on flea bay. Aliexpress also has 'em.
WeldingWeb Foreman
Hi, years ago around '75, we used to melt aluminium in a steel ladle with a propane torch.....the ladle was the type used for melting lead etc, and held about a litre of alluminium.
The furnace was a collection of fire bricks arranged around the ladle and the propane torch fired in one side and exhausted out the top.
People say that aluminium does not cast well melted in a steel crucible, but we made many aluminium hammers for the shop and cast them also in a split steel mould......I still have one that I use on the mill for setting up etc.
Then 10 years ago I melted aluminium in a steel pot using hardwood in a furnace made from a 25 litre drum lined with fire brick.
The aluminium was scrap offcuts from rolled plate stuff with some chippings from the lathe added too.
Ian.
Last edited by puddytat; 08-23-2014 at 05:14 AM.
WeldingWeb Apprentice
What would the strength of this aluminium be. Just the same as its original form?
WeldingWeb Tradesman
Aluminum often requires a heat treatment to bring it back to strength. But like any casting, it can only be as strong as the materials used, and quality of the casting.
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