[TheForge] Bronze casting

[Doug Ayen]

Quoth Rich Maynard (rich@maynard.org.uk):
> Hi all,
> 
> A friend of mine is into recreating Stone Age daggers, arrowheads etc and
> wants to move into the Bronze Age! He want's me to help (I've done a bit of
> smithing on a small gas forge - but in the middle of London, it's the only
> option!) We're going to have a go at making some bronze arrowheads.
> 
> We think we've settled on soapstone for a mould (but not definately - any
> more suggestions!)

Soapstone is very traditional, but kinda limiting. If you plan on doing
more than a just a couple of shapes, you might want to look into greensand
casting, or even lost wax casting using casting investment and so on. 

> Can I put a crucible of some sort into the forge? What should I be looking
> for in a crucible?
> 

If your forge is a open, coal burning type, sure -- I've seen the folks
down at Williamsburg do various castings using this method to melt metal.
If you're talking about a gas-fired forge, it should work, but be wary of
contaminating your forge with the bronze -- just a little bit will make
forge welding quite difficult if not impossible. 

Best place I've found for casting supply is Budget Casting Supply,
www.budgetcastingsupply.com   They carry crucibles, tongs, casting 
sand, and so on. 

My experiences with casting have been quite fun and educational. My best
sugestions are to plan it all ahead and have your tools at hand. I usually
practice my pour before I even fire up the furnace -- that way I know I
have everything ready. Don't forget safety, either -- eye protection is
a must, and protective leggings and armware is really worth the investment
if you're doing anything larger than a couple of arrowheads.  

I hope that helps. Enjoy, be safe, have fun.

--doug