DC stick = easiest aluminum casting ever

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This is so simple it may blow your mind. I'm using a DC arc welder, a graphite crucible and kinetic sand (it's a kids toy) to cast aluminum parts.
Reply:Did the sand return to its original state after it cooled down? Just want to know if it would be reusable.Oh! Awesome idea by the way! Has some potential, I just happen to have some kinetic sand, a dc stick welder and some scrap aluminium... Hmmm... Off to the LWS to grab some carbon gouging rods!
Reply:superuk;  very cool. btw, loved the interruption during the narration.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:I found this very interesting Would it have been easier to use an AC welder and two carbon arc rods?Basically the old carbon arc torch used to heat bolts and such.If you did this you'd have a nice steady arc that wouldn't go out.Your video led me to look up this DIY crucible process.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Wow!!! That is incredible. I doubt I'll ever have reason to use that, but I have some carbon rods laying on the shelfYeah, I know, but it'll be ok!Lincoln Square wave 255Miller Vintage mig30a spoolgunThermal Dynamics Pacmaster 100xl plasmaSmith mc torchEllis 1600 band saw
Reply:Originally Posted by Sheyda36Did the sand return to its original state after it cooled down? Just want to know if it would be reusable.
Reply:Originally Posted by superUnknownThe dye in the sand has turned grey, but otherwise flows the same as before.
Reply:Basically a miniature version of an electric arc furnace like they use to melt steel. ( I can't find the really good video some one here posted up a while back.).No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Where does a person get graphite crucibles?
Reply:Jewelry supply houses or casting suppliers have them available. Also check art supply places.Quick one I pulled off my saved list when I was thinking about making a gas fired furnace to cast alum. I may have other suppliers on my other computer.http://www.budgetcastingsupply.com/F...les-s/1830.htm.No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I saw this the other day... I'm definitely going to try it.
Reply:Originally Posted by drujininWhere does a person get graphite crucibles?
Reply:Hi, years ago around '75, we used to melt aluminium in a steel ladle with a propane torch.....the ladle was the type used for melting lead etc, and held about a litre of alluminium.The furnace was a collection of fire bricks arranged around the ladle and the propane torch fired in one side and exhausted out the top.People say that aluminium does not cast well melted in a steel crucible, but we made many aluminium hammers for the shop and cast them also in a split steel mould......I still have one that I use on the mill for setting up etc.Then 10 years ago I melted aluminium in a steel pot using hardwood in a furnace made from a 25 litre drum  lined with fire brick.The aluminium was scrap offcuts from rolled plate stuff with some chippings from the lathe added too.Ian.Last edited by puddytat; 08-23-2014 at 04:14 AM.
Reply:What would the strength of this aluminium be.  Just the same as its original form?
Reply:Aluminum often requires a heat treatment to bring it back to strength. But like any casting, it can only be as strong as the materials used, and quality of the casting.