You need a furnace that gets hot enough to melt the metal if you want to cast it in different shapes.You can make your own furnace by using an insulated garbage can.Start by lining the garbage can with heat- resistant insulation.If you build the furnace, insulate the lid to retain heat and vent built-up pressure.Attach the heat source to the furnace and you can use it for casting.
Step 1: A garbage can with an angle grinder is 18 in (46 cm) tall.
Look for a garbage can that is at least 46 cm tall and has a diameter of 41 cm.If the garbage is taller than 18 inches (46 cm), you can use an angle grinder.Cut around the garbage can to make it smaller.When working with an angle grinder, wear safety glasses so you don't get metal in your eyes.The cut edges on the garbage can can cut you easily.If you don't have an angle grinder or just want a smaller forge, you can use a 10 US quart steel bucket.
Step 2: The garbage can has a hole on the side that is 10 cm high.
Attach the hole saw attachment to the end of the drill and tighten it.Line the hole up on the side of the bucket so it is slightly off-center.Go all the way through the garbage can.The side hole is where air or gas enters your forge.If there is a spill inside the furnace, put the hole along the bottom of the garbage can.
Step 3: Line the inside of the can with ceramic wool.
Ceramic fiber wool works well for homemade furnaces.Use a utility knife to cut a circular piece of ceramic fiber wool that is the same size as the bottom of the garbage can.Push the piece of wool against the can.Wrap the wool around the garbage can's insides tightly.Home improvement stores and online can sell ceramic fiber wool.If it comes into contact with bare skin, it may cause irritation.Wear long sleeves and gloves.
Step 4: Cut out the wool that covers the garbage can hole.
To poke through the hole you made in the garbage can, use a craft knife.Guide the knife around the edge of the hole so you can cut through the wool.Pull the piece of wool out of the hole after you cut around the edge.
Step 5: Let the wool set for 24 hours with a rigidizer.
The particles in ceramic fiber wool are activated by a chemical compound called rigidizer.Put the compound into a spray bottle and apply it to the wool.Allow the rigidizer to air-dry for at least 24 hours so it can set and set the wool.You can purchase rigidizer online.The spray bottle you use for your rigidizer should be labeled.When exposed to air, some ceramic fiber wool will start to solidify.If there are any special instructions, check the packaging on the wool.
Step 6: The wool should be painted with furnace cement and set completely.
Make sure the cement is thoroughly combined by mixing it with a stir stick.The cement should be spread on top of the wool with a paintbrush.Make sure the exposed surfaces are completely covered.Before you use your furnace, cure the cement for at least 24 hours.You can buy premixed furnace cement at home improvement stores.You don't need to use furnace cement, but it can help prolong the life of your furnace and create a smooth, clean surface.
Step 7: There is a vent in the garbage can lid.
You can use the garbage can lid for the main body of the furnace.Attach a hole saw attachment to your drill and tighten it until it is secure.Put the vent hole to one side of the lid handle and use a saw to cut through the metal.You may damage the bit if you use a hole saw attachment that is made for metal.Pressure could build up inside the furnace and cause it to explode or fail catastrophically if the lid doesn't have a vent hole.
Step 8: The lid should have 2 in of ceramic fiber wool in it.
Cut out a piece of ceramic fiber wool that is larger than the bottom of the lid.Push the wool against the sides of the lid to hold it in place.Continue adding layers of ceramic wool until it is 2 inches thick to provide the best heat resistance.While cutting and working with wool, wear long-sleeved clothing and a dust mask that is rated N95 or better, since it can cause irritation and itchiness.If you are working with ceramic wool, make sure to check the safety precautions listed on the MSDS label.If the wool doesn't stick to the bottom of the lid, you can spray a heat-resistant glue on it.Hardware stores and online offer heat-resistant adhesive.
Step 9: The lid has a hole in it.
The handle should face up if you want to locate the hole you drilled early.To get through the wool, poke a craft knife along the edge of the hole.The section of wool covering the hole was removed by sawing along the edge.If you leave the wool over the hole, your furnace will not vent properly.
Step 10: Leave the wool to cure for 24 hours and apply a rigidizer.
Put your rigidizer compound in a spray bottle and apply it to the ceramic fiber wool on the lid.It is important to coat all of the exposed surfaces with the rigidizer.The rigidizer should be set in aventilated room for at least 24 hours after you put it on the wool.If you don't have a spray bottle, you can apply rigidizer with a paintbrush.
Step 11: To insulate it more, brush furnace cement on the exposed wool.
Make sure your furnace cement is thoroughly combined by mixing it with a stir stick.To coat the exposed surfaces of the wool, use a 2 in paintbrush.Allow the cement to set for at least 24 hours by smoothing it out with the brush.You don't want to get cement on anything if you put cardboard or shop cloths down.
Step 12: Feed a steel pipe or burner through the side hole.
Depending on what you want to use for your fuel source, the kind of pipe you use depends.If you want to use charcoal inside of your furnace, you should put a 12 in (30 cm) steel pipe through the hole.The pipe needs to be at least 1 inch past the inside wall of the furnace.Feed the valve end of the pipe through the side hole if you want to use propane.If you want the end of the burner to point off-center, position it inside the furnace.You can buy a burner online.You won't be able to control the flame if you use a regular steel pipe.
Step 13: If you want to use charcoal, Attach an air blower to the end of the pipe.
You can attach pipes without welding them.The steel pipe is outside of the furnace.If you want to force air through the furnace, you can slide the other end of the coupler over the air blower.You can find them at your local hardware store.An old hair dryer can be used to move the air if you don't have an air blower.
Step 14: If you are using gas, connect a propane tank to the other end of the burner.
The control port on the end of the burner should be connected to the air supply hose.If you are not running the furnace, make sure the valves are completely closed so you don't waste fuel or cause a fire.It is possible to attach a propane tank to your furnace, but small tanks will run out quicker.
Step 15: You should light your furnace.
If you are using charcoal, fill the bottom of the furnace with briquettes and use a lighter to light them.The air blower should be turned on on its lowest setting.If you are using propane, open the valves on the burner.You can ignite the propane by squeezing it into the middle of your furnace.The heat won't escape if the lid is put on the furnace.To control the size of the flame, use the valves on the propane tank and burner.The flames from your furnace may come from the vent hole you made in the lid, so use caution while handling it.The temperature of a charcoal furnace can be as high as 1,200 F, while propane can go as low as 2,300.
Step 16: When you want to melt metal, use a crucible.
You put a metal container inside of your furnace to hold the metal you are melting.Use a pair of fire tongs to set the metal in the middle of the furnace.Allow the furnace to melt the metal and then cast it with tongs.Low-temperature metals will be melted by this furnace.