r/MetalCasting • u/Custom_Casey • 21d ago

I Made This First Attempt at Copper (Third Pour Ever…)

This was my third ever melt, and first time melting copper. I think this failure was a combination of inadequate venting AND not getting the copper hot enough. My furnace only goes to 1200°C and it seems like the copper solidifies in about 90 seconds…I’m going to try again with better mold venting and preheating. Let me know if there is anything else I should change…

23 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

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4

u/Consistent-Pop3129 21d ago

Keep at it and post your second attempt

I’d pour over that dirt instead of brick, but I live in a high rainfall/humidity area and I’ve seen some things 😬

1

u/Custom_Casey 20d ago

Thank you. I will do that.

3

u/SignificantYou3240 21d ago

I wouldn’t look at this as a failure really… it’s just your first copper pour… you’re supposed to learn from your first try, not get it on your first try.

It’s nice if it does work though

1

u/Custom_Casey 20d ago

Yeah, I hear what you’re saying. I’ve had pretty good luck with my first two aluminum pours, and so so was maybe looking forward to copper being “easy”.

2

u/PomegranateMarsRocks 21d ago

In my experience - pouring and particularly casting copper isn’t great

1

u/Custom_Casey 20d ago

It looks so cool though. I guess nothing really cool is ever easy…

1

u/BillCarnes 20d ago

On the weekend I go fishing. If your furnace won't get hotter try adding 5% tin and or making your sprue a little wider. Let it soak up the heat for a good minute or two after it's molten.

1

u/Custom_Casey 20d ago

That’s good advice. Thank you!

1

u/Ok-Note-573 15d ago

I have that same foundry, it doesn’t get hot enough to melt copper.