If you want to melt metal, you need to find a way to apply a lot of heat.This can be accomplished with a torch or a foundry.The metal can be melted into a liquid that you can mold into whatever shape you want.With a torch, you can cut metal into different shapes.You should be able to melt metals with one of these methods.
Step 1: Purchase or build a small furnace.
The easiest way to melt metal into liquid is to heat it in a small, enclosed vessel that is heated from below.You can make your own using a small empty propane tank, a metal bucket, plaster of paris, sand, metal pipe, charcoal briquettes, and a steel can.It is possible to buy one premade from a welding supply company or online retailer.Small foundries that are available for purchase online or built at home tend to work best for melting aluminum at a relatively low temperature.You will need a tank of propane in addition to the foundries if you want them to be heated with propane.
Step 2: The area where you can use the foundry should be chosen.
Since you will heat the foundry up, it needs to be set up on a heatproof surface outside or in aventilated area.It is usually easiest to set it up on a large slab of concrete outside.Dry grass or building materials that could catch on fire should be avoided.It is important not to melt metal in a confined area.
Step 3: Put on protective clothing.
It's important to protect yourself from injury when melting metal.Put on gloves to protect your hands.Wear safety glasses to keep metal out of your eyes.A welding jacket and closed toes will protect your chest and arms.
Step 4: The foundry needs to be heated.
If you use briquettes, fill the area with them and light them on fire.If you use propane, light the burner and put it in the core.After about half an hour, you should be able to continue with your project.Follow the directions that came with the premade foundry you are using.The directions should tell you about the proper propane pressure and how to use it safely.
Step 5: Put aluminum in a machine.
The bowl of the foundry is called the crucible and contains pieces of aluminum.It is easy to melt aluminum and get your hands on it.
Step 6: The aluminum will be completely melted when you heat it.
Continue to apply heat until you can no longer see solid pieces.Depending on how hot you can get and how much metal you are melting, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.Once the metal is completely melted, it will glow bright red but there may be some dark spots.
Step 7: Put the melted aluminum in a mold.
Pick up the crucible with tongs and pour the liquid into a mold after the metal has melted.The shape of the aluminum you mold depends on what you want to do with it.If you want to make blocks of metal, you can pour the liquid into a muffin tin.You will need to buy or make a metal casting mold if you want to mold the metal into a specific shape.
Step 8: You should get an acetylene torch.
A torch that mixes the gases oxygen and acetylene is good at melting a variety of metals, including steel, brass, silver, copper, and aluminum.If you want to melt all the way through metal, you should get a torch that is made for cutting.If you want metal to be welded together with other pieces, you should buy a welding tip.Both types can be found at welding supply stores or online retailers.There are different sizes of welding tipped torches.Large tanks of oxygen and acetylene are used for welding.Small oxyacetylene torches can be used to melt small pieces of soft metal, such as gold and silver.The torches are attached to the tanks.
Step 9: An oxygen tank and acetylene tank are required.
If you want to buy or rent an oxygen tank, go to a welding supply company or a home improvement store.If you only plan on melting metal once in a while, you can get small tanks that are 20 or 40 kilowatts.The acetylene tank is at least twice the size of the oxygen tank.
Step 10: Set up your workspace.
If you want to avoid setting your surroundings on fire, choose an area that is concrete and doesn't have any flammable materials around.If you strap your tanks to a wall, they won't fall over or be knocked over.If you want to work on a raised surface instead of on the floor, you will need a metal table or supports that won't burn or melt.Specialty welding tables made of thick steel are used for this kind of work.
Step 11: Attach your torch to your tanks
Attach a pressure regulator to each tank.The top needs to be screwed onto the regulator.Make sure the green and red hoses are connected to the oxygen and acetylene tanks.Attach the other end of the hose to the torch.
Step 12: Put on protective gear.
It is important to put on a variety of protective layers, including welding gloves, welding goggles, and a welding jacket, in order to use an oxyacetylene torch safely.
Step 13: The torch should be lit.
The control valves on the torch should be completely closed.The oxygen and acetylene tanks should be turned on completely.Once you are ready to work, open the oxygen and acetylene valves on the torch a small amount.You can create a flame by squeezing your strikers in front of the torch.Once lit, adjust your oxygen and acetylene levels to create a small blue flame inside the larger orange flame.
Step 14: You can use the flame to melt your metal.
The small blue interior point is not touching the metal if the larger flame is positioned on it.The torch should be moved smoothly along the metal.The entire area should be heated evenly.It will begin to melt after it is heated.You can cut metal into many different shapes with a torch.If you need a replacement part, you can make a decorative shape.