If you want to melt metal, you need to find a way to apply a lot of heat.This can be done with a torch.The metal can be melted into a liquid that you can mold into whatever you want.You can cut through metal with a torch.You should be able to melt most metals using one of these methods.
Step 1: Purchase a small furnace.
The easiest way to melt metal into liquid is to heat it in a small, enclosed vessel that is heated from below.You can make your own using a small empty propane tank, a metal bucket, plaster of paris, sand, metal pipe, charcoal briquettes, and a steel can.It is possible to buy one premade from a welding supply company or online retailer.Small foundries that are available for purchase online or built at home tend to melt aluminum at a relatively low temperature.You will need a tank of propane in addition to the foundries if you want them to be heated with propane.
Step 2: Pick a place where you can use the foundry.
Since you will heat the foundry up, it needs to be set up on a heatproof surface outside or in a well-ventilated area.It's usually easiest to set it up on a large slab of concrete outside.Dry grass or building materials that could catch on fire are things that should be avoided.It is important not to melt metal in a confined area.
Step 3: Put on safety gear.
It's important to protect yourself when melting metal.Put on gloves to protect your hands.It is recommended that you wear safety glasses to keep metal out of your eyes.You can protect your chest and arms by wearing closed toe shoes and a welding jacket.
Step 4: The foundry needs to be hot.
If you use briquettes, fill the area around the crucible with them and light them on fire.If you use propane, light the burner and put it in the core.After about half an hour, you should be able to continue on with your project.If you are using a premade foundry, follow the directions that came with it.The directions should tell you about the proper propane pressure and how to use it safely.
Step 5: The aluminum should be placed in the foundry.
The bowl of the foundry is called the crucible and it is filled with pieces of aluminum.It is easy to melt aluminum and get your hands on it.
Step 6: When it is completely melted, heat the aluminum.
Continue to apply heat until you can no longer see the solid pieces.Depending on how hot you can get and how much metal you are melting, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.Once the metal is completely melted, it will glow bright red, but there may be some dark spots.
Step 7: The melted aluminum should be poured into a mold.
Pick up the crucible with tongs and pour the liquid into the mold after the metal has melted.The shape of the aluminum you mold depends on what you want to do with it.You can pour the liquid into a muffin tin if you want to make blocks of metal.You will need to buy or make a metal casting mold if you want to mold the metal into a specific shape.
Step 8: You should get a torch.
A torch that mixes the gases oxygen and acetylene is good at melting a variety of metals, including steel, brass, silver, copper, and aluminum.A torch that is made for cutting should be used if you want to melt all the way through metal.If you want metal to be welded together with other pieces, you should buy a welding tip.Both types can be found at welding supply stores.There are a variety of sizes of welding tipped torches.Large tanks of oxygen and acetylene are used for welding.Small oxyacetylene torches can be used to melt small pieces of soft metal, such as gold and silver.The torches are attached to the tanks.
Step 9: There is an oxygen tank and an acetylene tank.
If you want to buy or rent an oxygen tank, go to a welding supply company or a home improvement store.If you only plan on melting metal once in a while, you can get a small tank of 20 or 40 kilowatts.The acetylene tank is twice the size of the oxygen tank.
Step 10: The work area should be set up.
If you want to avoid setting your surroundings on fire, choose an area that is concrete and doesn't have anyflammable materials around.If you strap your tanks to a wall, they won't fall over or be knocked over.If you want to work on a raised surface, you will need a metal table or supports that won't burn or melt.Specialty welding tables made of thick steel are used for this type of work.
Step 11: Attach your torch to your tanks.
Attach a pressure regulator to each tank.The top needs to be screwed onto the regulator.Make sure the green and red hoses are connected to the oxygen and acetylene tanks.Attach the hose to the end of the torch.
Step 12: Personal protective equipment to be put on.
It is important to put on a variety of protective layers in order to use an oxyacetylene torch safely.
Step 13: Light the torch.
The control valves on the torch need to be completely closed.Turn the valves on the oxygen and acetylene tanks until they stop.Once you're ready to work, open the oxygen and acetylene valves on the torch a small amount.You can create a flame by squeezing your strikers in front of the torch.To create a small blue flame inside the larger orange flame, adjust your oxygen and acetylene levels.
Step 14: Use the flame to melt the metal.
The small blue interior point is not touching the metal if the larger flame is positioned on it.The torch can be moved along the metal smoothly.The entire area you want to melt should be heated evenly.It will begin to melt after it is heated.You can cut metal into shapes with a torch.It is possible to make a decorative shape or a replacement part.