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Casting Furnace (Devil-Forge FB1S): Difference between revisions
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=Safety= | =Safety= | ||
Beyond all the usual workshop safety precautions there are some additional safety concerns specific to casting that should be understood. | Beyond all the usual workshop safety precautions there are some additional safety concerns specific to casting that should be understood. A few of the key points are set out below but this is not an exhaustive list: | ||
* PPE - welding gauntlets, a full face shield, long sleeves (preferably of non-flammable material) and sturdy footwear are recommended for protection against splashes | * PPE - welding gauntlets, a full face shield, long sleeves (preferably of non-flammable material) and sturdy footwear are recommended for protection against splashes | ||
* Handling crucibles - these are delicate and must not be rough-handled, dropped or squeezed too hard or they may shatter, with obvious consequences | * Handling crucibles - these are delicate and must not be rough-handled, dropped or squeezed too hard or they may shatter, with obvious consequences | ||
* Fumes - molten metals can give off potentially dangerous fumes, especially brass which contains zinc. Using the furnace outdoors in the cage is an obvious mitigation but still avoid breathing fumes | * Fumes - molten metals can give off potentially dangerous fumes, especially brass which contains zinc. Using the furnace outdoors in the cage is an obvious mitigation but still avoid breathing fumes | ||
* Metal content - scrap metal is usually the best source of material for casting but be wary of what you are putting in. In particular, | * Metal content - scrap metal is usually the best source of material for casting but be wary of what you are putting in. In particular, any metal containing air pockets or trapped water is potentially very dangerous as both will explode if immersed into already molten metal while topping up a crucible. Any second-charge metals should be pre-heated on top of the furnace lid to drive out any retained moisture | ||
=Training and Charges= | =Training and Charges= | ||
Although a very simple operation in principle, getting good results from metal casting requires a decent amount of knowledge and understanding. Obviously, a large container of molten metal has the potential to be extremely dangerous if the correct precautions are not taken. | Although a very simple operation in principle, getting good results from metal casting requires a decent amount of knowledge and understanding. Obviously, a large container of molten metal has the potential to be extremely dangerous if the correct precautions are not taken. For the time being, we are operating on a group-use policy where the kiln should only be used while there are multiple members present experienced in using it. As we expand and learn more about the process of using it we might introduce a more formal training regime like that used on the other machines. | ||
Cost of Operation - The furnace consumes a considerable amount of propane during operation. The ceramic fibre lining of the furnace is also a consumable that must be replaced periodically. Therefore, we ask all users to contribute a fee. For now, we think a fair charge might be £1 per melt - we will assess this charge as we go along and might make adjustments based on how it's going. We hope to introduce an honesty coin box similar to the welding gas fund, but for now just keep track of how much you have used | Cost of Operation - The furnace consumes a considerable amount of propane during operation. The ceramic fibre lining of the furnace is also a consumable that must be replaced periodically. Therefore, we ask all users to contribute a fee. For now, we think a fair charge might be £1 per melt - we will assess this charge as we go along and might make adjustments based on how it's going. We hope to introduce an honesty coin box similar to the welding gas fund, but for now just keep track of how much you have used | ||
