RippinRich Posted April 6, 2022 Share Posted April 6, 2022 I just purchased my first furnace, it is a USA Cast Masters 12kg Propane furnace with a 10kg crucible. I have done two melts so far and have made some copper ingots that have came out pretty good. The provided valve says 20 psi but has no gauge. I cranked it all the way up and left the air flow fairly low so it didn't sound to loud. I did it in my back yard in daylight and I wasn't able to see any flame coming out the top. As I understand when melting copper I should have a little flame coming out the top, but either I couldn't see it in the light or I couldn't get the right air/fuel ratio to see the flame. It took about 35mins before the copper started to melt and probably another 25mins to get half a crucible melted. I did see green flame for a little bit when added copper to the forge. Is it better to have more or less space between the walls of the furnace and the crucible? Should I try a smaller crucible? Would using refractory cement over the kaowool hold in heat better? I purchased a 30psi valve/gauge and next melt I think I will try at night. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted April 6, 2022 Share Posted April 6, 2022 Actually you purchased a furnace. Forges are used to heat metal to hammer it on an anvil. Furnaces are used to melt metal for casting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RippinRich Posted April 6, 2022 Author Share Posted April 6, 2022 (edited) Ah K thanks, Edited. Edited April 6, 2022 by Mod30 Remove excessive quote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted April 6, 2022 Share Posted April 6, 2022 A burner produces the most heat when it's loudest so it sounds like you de-tuned it on purpose. I tune my propane burners by eye and ear to get the hottest burn and then detune them slightly to get a reducing atmosphere in my forge for bladesmithing. What did the manufacturer tell you when you contacted them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeJustice Posted April 6, 2022 Share Posted April 6, 2022 You mentioned Kaowool, is it exposed/bare? That is not good if such is the case. You will be exposed to breathing in those fibers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RippinRich Posted April 7, 2022 Author Share Posted April 7, 2022 (edited) Yes it came like that from the factory. Edited April 7, 2022 by Mod30 Excessive quoting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted April 7, 2022 Share Posted April 7, 2022 If it is bare fabric, I advise not to use it until you can rigidize it and coat it with castable refractory. You need to read this. https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/53239-ceramic-wool-insulation-safety-alert/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RippinRich Posted April 7, 2022 Author Share Posted April 7, 2022 Wow good information, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BsnNFrnt Posted April 7, 2022 Share Posted April 7, 2022 RippinRich Big plus one on the refractory coating. For future operations I would build your own melting forge/furnace. You would be surprised how fast you can melt copper with a dialed in forge of sufficient physical capacity to handle your crucible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RippinRich Posted April 9, 2022 Author Share Posted April 9, 2022 I ordered some 3200F refractory cement I am going to coat it with. I think this one will do for now considering I am a newb but I also need to learn how to weld next. Id like to build a larger one in the future for large melts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted April 9, 2022 Share Posted April 9, 2022 are you sure you ordered the correct stuff? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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