Nicholas G

Preheating my mould and crucible helped a ton. Thank you. I pulled out my infrared thermometer and got both to about 1,500F before starting this time and it worked like a charm. I was even able to forge out a small piece from 1/8”x3” to 1/16”x3-1/2”. It’s a little small for what I had in mind, but at least I was successful.

I’ve got plenty of experience with molten metals through work, as well as forging experience. Safety isn’t really the issue, just knowledge. Usually when I’m dealing with molten metals I’m attempting to be careful not to over heat and I want it to cool as quickly as possible. This seems to be the opposite spectrum and it sure is giving me a run for my money.

I’m in Washington state. I tried to preheat on my third attempt, but I don’t think I got it as hot as you’re suggesting… As far as mould type, I’m trying to leave the top open, so it’s basically a narrow slit that’s about 1/8” wide, 3” long, and 3” deep. Would there be a danger of the copper alloy fusing to the steel mould if I preheat like that?

Hi, I’m trying my hand at making knife and sword hardware out of Shibuichi. Melting the metals together without oxidizing the alloy is fine, but every time I try to pour into the mold, it cools too quickly and clogs the top. I’ve been using steel to make my molds. The first mold was 3”x3”x1/8”. I’ve seen videos of people making it and their molds don’t seem much different. What am I doing wrong? Do I need to preheat the mold? Use a different material?