Kanus_oq_Seruna

Mostly what I would do with Al would be to learn how to form molds and make ingots for easier taking to a recycling place. I'll do some more research on making a furnace for melting Aluminum and Tin, and I'll probably get me a decent crucible, but will need to treat it first I imageine.

Well I finally figured out what all I need to do for a Cupola, but I will start out light with aluminum. I can probably make use of some cans for material and will just need to get me a working crucible. I suppose I could use a Cupola for aluminum too.

I live in western South Dakota on a family ranch. Right now my forge setup is all outside.

I suppose in terms of cost verses efficiency, what sort of material might be affordable but effective. I've looked at http://www.backyardmetalcasting.com/ironcasting01.html and wondered what material he might be using for the drum.

Thank you for the responses. I was wondering where I might be able to find a cupola now that I know what I'm looking for.

Further what makes for the best material for holding in heat for a small melting furnace? Would mudbrick and dirt work properly enough for a sort of mound furnace?

Hello everyone. I've been blacksmithing as a hobby for a couple of years now and even resurrected my grandfather's old forge.

I've recently been thinking about doing things with cast iron, or perhaps just melting down the iron so that I can pour it into more manageable shapes. But the first thing I'd need is to set up the furnace. I am wondering where I can get a crucible, and what all I might need for a simple coal fired furnace for melting iron.