I am building my first foundry and I would like some advice. I am taking a 6-gallon steel bucket (not galvanized) and doing a mixture of a IFB lining with Kaowool and want to know if this is sufficient enough to provide the refractory insulation for melting metals up to iron. More specificially would it be better to pour a refractory casting for the base and or lining of the foundry vs just using the bricks and kaowool? Also, this is to be used in conjunction with a propane tank with the burner heads feeding into the foundry at at angle to provide a vortex of heat within. What is the ratio of of "empty space" needed around the crucible in order to provide more optimal heating and fuel consumption. obviously a large open area would be less efficient and potentially reduce the pressure and heating efficiency, but a completely tight space would be on the other end of the spectrum.
I apologize as I am new here and this is my first go at all of this. I have been browsing through the forums but I honestly haven't dug all the way to the end and any advice or redirection is much appreciated. Thank you.
