SCI-FI

A misunderstanding, then, for which I'll take full responsibility. I am still bumbling my way through this industry, and may misstate stuff from time to time. With that having been said, and my previous comments on why I think this is stainless, does that change your opinions on what you think I should do? Also, if I can find a scrapyard, what kind of "analysis capability" would they have to render a verdict? Spark test? Or something more sophisticated? Thank you all for your continued help-

Sorry, there has been some confusion - I didn't mean to ever give the impression that this is "chrome plated," per se, I meant that if it is stainless, it includes chromium (which, I understand, is reactive with oxygen at melt-temp). Reasons for estimating this is 303 or 304 stainless are: 1) it used to be a cheap tea kettle; 2) walmart's website lists the closest current equivalent as being made of "poished stainless steel"; 3) it is non-magnetic; 4) "high" melt temp (it resisted a previous attempt to melt in a backyard forge). If I can find a way of doing a definitive analysis, I will, but for now, it appears to be stainless.

It's a tattered "block" of metal. It's mostly a single piece, but due to crushing (a previous hammer/forge attempt), some of the shards are probably "caged" inside the block. Current surface is scorched and cut (see earlier, re previous hammer/forging). I may be able to "unfold" it out of the current crushed form, but it would be a similar problem - I don't know how to work it into the desired shape once I get it flattened out (ie, a lot of work to leave me still stuck). I could add a picture if needed, but I hope this is descriptive enough.

Thank you for the kind offer, Jim. Pardon my ignorance, but I'm not sure how I could turn a jagged block of shredded metal into a smooth cross using a TIG welder, or hammer+forge, or other techniques?

Mostly correct. For now, it's a piece of scrap that means nothing to no one - except me, and represents a bit of a nightmare. Afterwards, be it through heat, or hammering, or whatever, I intend to turn it into something positive.

Hi, Jim- It's a small piece of scrap metal (8.6 oz), formerly a tea kettle of the cheap-o WalMart variety. I do not have a positive ID, but folks smarter than I have estimated it to be 303 or 304 stainless. By the time the project is done, I want that material to be melted (or otherwise converted) into a cross. (Melting into a mold is the current preference, but if I can get a similar result through forging, or TIG welder, or magic, I'm not fussy. It needs to be structurally strong enough to be handled, and smooth enough not to cut someone handling it.) Thanks-

Howdy, steve and Crazy Ivan- I asked Stoneybrook (and Mass College of Art) and both said they do not have the facilities to do this job. I would've stayed in the chat, but my account keeps logging out. No idea why. As for this being dangerous, I have been informed, hence why I am seeking someone else to do this work - high heat, reactivity, and high power if done with induction. Any other advice is greatly appreciated. (And yes, I will try chat again. And again. And again...)

Hello, all (and please pardon me if I landed this in the wrong forum)- I am looking to melt and recast a small block of scrap metal (about 8.6oz, probably stainless steel). (This is a one-time job for me, not an installation of equipment nor a hobby.) I would like the same metal back as when I started (not thrown into a larger pot and get an "equivalent mass" back at the end.) The folks at AlloyAvenue suggested I seek an induction furnace, and steered me here. Does anyone have (or know of) a furnace (induction or otherwise, I guess) capable of such a small job, preferably in the MA/NH/RI/ME region? (Virtually every large company in the region won't bother with it, and many smaller "art school" or sculpture-houses can't get hot enough to do stainless. Help!) Thank you- -SCI-FI