[TheForge] Bronze casting

[Peter Fels And Phoebe Palmer]

Rich M, Doug A;
Since you put the question to us at a blacksmithing site...
I'd recommend forgetting all that nasty casting stuff and advise forging.
Bronze forges beautifully, much less work than steel and you won't end 
up with something all rough and nasty looking.
 The trick is to heat it untill you can first detect a dull red glow, no 
hotter, then forge untill it begins to stiffen up again and reheat.
Casting is nearly uncouth and   forging was done in the bronze age.
Besides crucibles are expensive......Pete F

Doug Ayen wrote:

>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
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