Disciple-X

Roger that. I think I will be ready to attempt this project tomorrow. As you say, fire brick as a mold would possibly look rough because it has pores im assuming. Any suggestions on what kind of plaster to use? Everyday water based plasture would suffice once completely dried out?

Thank you for the information. Just a few more questions. All I need for the small amount of brass is a fire brick with the indention in it that forms my design? Centrifugal is optional? I'm not aiming for the brass design to turn out magnificant, just identifiable. Also, should I worry about zinc fumes at all if I am outside? I imagine that such a small amount of brass wouldnt emit mass amounts of harmful fumes.

So, carve the depression into a brick (preferably a fire brick?), and melt key over depression? Should I also enclose the key with additional firebricks to make a mini furnace? As for moving, that will happen soon. I'm not doing this project to prevent anything or be spiteful. Simply put, her and I both are pretty artistic, and when she sees the charm's shape, and realizes what it is made of... she will be pretty moved. She will be quite impressed rather than annoyed. ;)

I'm very new to these forums, and the concept of casting in general. I want to melt and cast an everyday brass house/apartment key. Short story behind this is that my EX girlfriend and I broke up a some time ago, and the key I have is the copy I made her give back. Her birthday is coming up, and I would like to give the key back, but she wont know its the key due to it being melted down into an entirely new form. Obviously giving the copy of the key back so she can let herself in my apartment again is not my goal, as I intend on staying broken up... but sentimentality is the keyword. It will be a whole other new charm, and the idea is for it to be a simple peace offering. Also, I am reading up on the forums for what I need, as I am sure that will be suggested. My findings are that brass is pretty dangerous when melted due to zinc. Also, I would most likely need a "small" crucible. Could I make my own crucible easily? Or would it be best to buy one? Where could I buy such a thing locally? Should I be overly concerned about the fumes given the size of what is being melted down? Due to the key's small size, I'm assuming making a simple cast out of ceramic or plasture would work... but I would certainly like an expert opinion on the quickest and safest way to go about all of this.