Fascinating video! … Fascinating video! I’m interested at trying my hand at this myself (after I’ve done the appropriate research). I’m wondering — did you use gunmetal for the axe, or did you make your own alloy? Also, is the mold made from a silica based medium?
That is THE most … That is THE most primative setup I have ever seen. But it does show that casting can be done with very little. It does look like you know what you’re doing. Great stuff.
I’ve been thinking … I’ve been thinking about doing the same thing, actually. Are there any sources you found particularly helpful in learning how to do this?
Nope, charcoal. … Nope, charcoal. Coal wouldn’t work too well, it would melt and stick together, and the clinkers would mix with the bronze. Also, it’s not simple, though it certainly looks that way! Getting the metals to 1100C with dung-doped clay and charcoal, in an oxygen reducing fire is pretty challenging at times. You also have about 10 seconds MAX once you stop pumping air into the fire to pour, otherwise the bronze is too viscous to pour.
Casting of an early bronze age axe.
March 6th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
I’ve heard that you …
I’ve heard that you can use terra cotta pots as crucibles. Do you know if that’s true?
March 6th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
stone mold?
stone mold?
March 6th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Fascinating video! …
Fascinating video! I’m interested at trying my hand at this myself (after I’ve done the appropriate research). I’m wondering — did you use gunmetal for the axe, or did you make your own alloy? Also, is the mold made from a silica based medium?
March 6th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
That is THE most …
That is THE most primative setup I have ever seen. But it does show that casting can be done with very little. It does look like you know what you’re doing. Great stuff.
March 6th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
…
backyardmetalcasting. com
March 6th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
I’ve been thinking …
I’ve been thinking about doing the same thing, actually. Are there any sources you found particularly helpful in learning how to do this?
March 6th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Well, that proves …
Well, that proves that you are well skilled in this art:)
March 6th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Nope, charcoal. …
Nope, charcoal. Coal wouldn’t work too well, it would melt and stick together, and the clinkers would mix with the bronze. Also, it’s not simple, though it certainly looks that way! Getting the metals to 1100C with dung-doped clay and charcoal, in an oxygen reducing fire is pretty challenging at times. You also have about 10 seconds MAX once you stop pumping air into the fire to pour, otherwise the bronze is too viscous to pour.
March 6th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Looks simple enough …
Looks simple enough. Used coal and blower for heat?