Metal Casting provides the hobbyist with a great way to create personalized parts and pieces that may otherwise be unattainable or far too expensive. Casting is an ancient art that is still is use to this day by major industries to artists to those with backyard foundries. This skill is a valuable one that promises to provide the hobbyist with a rewarding past time. Most hobbyists begin their casting careers with a modest sized furnace to fit their most basic needs. Within a few months, the hobbyist might find that the furnace has grown and that they are casting at every chance that comes along. Don't worry, this is completely natural.
To say that Metal Casting is addictive is an understatement. Metal casting provides a way for an idea to materialize through molten metal. This is perhaps one of the greatest parts of the entire metal casting process like seeing what was once just sketches solidify from liquid iron, or whatever metal is used. Simply put, all that the caster needs is a creative idea combined with red hot melted metal to great his design.
The furnace is the pride and joy for the metal caster. Most will construct their own furnace tweaking the design here and there to better suit their needs. Many home Metal Casting foundries are based on home made furnaces and if constructed correctly can prove to be highly effective. The crucial part of the furnace is the furnace torch. The torch brings the heat, incredibly high heat, and without it that chunk of metal would just sit in the crucible and never see life as something new and exciting. Except as a paper weight; a very ugly paper weight.
When searching for an appropriate casting torch the hobbyist will need to take several things into consideration. The size of the furnace, and what metals you plan to use are chief among the considerations. Many casters will use a torch that uses propane gas as it provides enough pressure and heat to melt most metals. If the hobbyist plans to use natural gas like the kind that is provide in households they may find that the pressure is just not enough and the desired temperatures will not be reached. The same is true for Butane. While natural gas and Butane can be used, propane seems to yield the best results. Oxyacetylene torches are a favorite with many casters especially for casting iron.
Price is yet another consideration. While it may be possible to rig a casting furnace it is not always advisable. Torches can range in price from $40 to several hundreds of dollars depending upon the size, the use, and accessories.
Many jewelers are able to use small independent casting torches but when dealing with metal casting in furnaces you will need to use a torch that can be mounted and used in such a fashion. Many think that just because you need a furnace torch you are going to need a large furnace. This is simply not true. A small furnace and furnace torch can produce enough heat to melt aluminum, iron, and a number of other metals. One of the furnaces functions is to help the flame reach optimum temperature and in the case of Reverberatory Furnaces, a furnace torch is an absolute requirement.
Casting torches can be found in some hobby shops and in hardware stores. Since everything has gone to the internet now days, you can see that there are plenty of places online that sell these torches. As with anything, you will benefit on price if you take the time to shop around to look for the best price. Always use caution when dealing with a furnace torch.
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