Jennell Mathews Posted October 1, 2017 Share Posted October 1, 2017 I was using my home made Foundry to melt some cans that I had compiled in my scrap metal bin this morning when it decided to create an explosion. I was waiting for the fire to build up to melting temperature when I heard a loud BANG! needless to say I don't know what caused it but I put it out before delving into some research. The Foundry is simply a pot you would normally cook noodles in with a hole drilled into the side and 4 smaller holes on top. The crucible is an expended fire extinguisher with the top cut off. For a blower I have a steel pipe about 4-5 feet long and a hair dryer duct taped to the end (I know it's total redneck/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles R. Stevens Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 Can't comment as to what caused to bang, but I would use somthing insted of cams, cars have a lot of cast aluminum parts, such as pistons, brackets, intakes, heads, ect. All casting alloys. Sell the cans and get proper PPG and scrounge cast aluminum. Extrugians are forgable alloys as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 Welcome aboard Jennell, glad to have you. If you'll put your general location in the header you might be surprised how many of the gang live within visiting distance. What kind of fuel are you burning? Did you cook the ink out of the cans before tossing them into the . . . "crucible"? How long have you been melting aluminum cans and why? Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 A drop of moisture in a can being added to a pool of melted Al can cause a very big bang as it flashes to steam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the iron dwarf Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 use a proper crucible, not an old fire extinguisher. molten ali eats through steel very fast do the research before you start and prepare for every possible problem ( this can prevent death and injuries to you and others nearby ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy k Posted November 7, 2017 Share Posted November 7, 2017 Not safe to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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