Any easy way to melt brass ?


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Old 02-27-16, 10:41 AM
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Any easy way to melt brass ?

I would like to make my own brass belt buckle but don't have the equipment or space for the traditional way of casting. Any short cuts that work?"
 
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Old 02-27-16, 10:58 AM
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I'm no expert but you need to get around 1,700 degrees and I can't imagine any sensible way to do that except using a furnace. My suggestion is to try to find someone in your area that has one (perhaps Craigslist) and pay to use theirs.
 
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Old 02-27-16, 11:19 AM
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Sounds like a crazy project. But if you havent, you might go to youtube and search for "building a foundery". My brother-in-law made one inside a steel bucket that melts aluminum cans which he pours into ingots. What he's going to do with them, I don't know. I think he just likes playing with fire.
 
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Old 02-27-16, 11:25 AM
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Otherwise you'd need to locate a smelter in your area. Using google I found some in your area. You'd have to call to find out what they'd consider a short run of brass. You would probably need to do your own sand casting too.

I think with brass you may need a graphite crucible.
 
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Old 02-27-16, 11:56 AM
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Charcoal forges use to melt iron so I'd think they will melt brass. Lots of cheap DIY forge how-to's on the net.
 
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Old 02-27-16, 02:12 PM
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As you've already heard the only way to melt brass for casting can be done many ways. It's not rocket science but it does require building some stuff. The only other option I can think of is to get sheet brass and cut out the buckle you want. Hammering and filing could get you the rest of the shape you might want.
 
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Old 03-02-16, 06:27 PM
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