Starting my first furnace

[Murdoch]

I should add that this was a great experience for me.
I only wish I had more cash to burn lol.
$500.00 would have set me on the right path...

 

[Johnwa]

Sodium silicate can be made from silica crystals (cat litter) and sodium hydroxide (drain cleaner). Perlite is cheap from the garden store. PPE required for sodium hydroxide!
.

How big of furnace did you make and how much sodium silicate did it take?
I’ve read about making your own but wonder how much effort it takes.

I used furnace cement which is sodium silicate mixed with sand. It worked but was fairly costly.

 

[Murdoch]

Been a while since. I have a question about the propane regulator. I've seen on YouTube that folks use a high pressure regulator, as the low pressure BBQ regulators are just too low. That being said, can I use a high pressure regulator if I am using forced air? Also should I get a regulator with a gauge.
Lastly I was originally going to recycle my kiln for my furnace. But now I am thinking that it's pretty big, now if I down size to a smaller furnace I can use materials saved from the smaller furnace to make a forge as well. Here's the question, can I have a furnace and a forge and just have one burner to change from one to another. Thanks guys for valued input...

 

[Johnwa]

The regulator allows you to set a consistent flow regardless of the tank pressure. I use a gage, I start a melt at pretty low pressure. Once everything is warm and the aluminum starts to melt then I increase the pressure a bit. (I burnt a hole in a steel crucible before I learnt this!)
I don’t have a forge but from internet research a forge burner needs a flared end for a stable flame. If the flare is removable the burner can then be used in a melting furnace.

 

[Murdoch]

This is my burner that I was going to use. There is a flare, but are you suggesting that I can't use this for my furnace?

 

[Johnwa]

You don’t need a flare for it to work in a furnace, but it will likely work with one as well.
It’s easier to get an airtight fit into the furnace without the flare though.
Here’s a picture of mine.

 

[Murdoch]

You don’t need a flare for it to work in a furnace, but it will likely work with one as well.
It’s easier to get an airtight fit into the furnace without the flare though.
Here’s a picture of mine.

So no guess it's just simpler to make a separate burner.

 

[Tom Kitta]

I have what John has - but with more brass. I have a flare. What you have is huge.

I just got electric furnace. I see how that works. For metal hardening and maybe melting aluminium and brass.

 

[Bofobo]

Nice burner! I would say it should work fine in both, its about mounting in my opinion, i would say keep the flame horizontal rather than vertical, having used both its just simpler as fire burns ^

Yes high pressure regulators can both include and have guages added, i got the cheapest regulator and the guage hole came with a plug

 

[kevin.decelles]

I have a gauge on mine but it is el-cheapie and a don't trust the reading to be 'real' but it is consistent meaning that it i run it at 18psi and that is a good hot flame that melts aluminum without flameouts and dragons breath

Tom- I also have an electric furnace and I use it in winter and it handles aluminum easily




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[Tom O]

You can use a ball valve and listen to the blast I did this before getting a regulator, but either way the sound of the blast tells all.