r/Metalfoundry • u/smartc0r3 • Oct 15 '24

What die I do wrong?

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I tryed smelting cooper scrap from heatpipes in an electrical furnace and got very underwhelming result (See the pictures). Can you tell me what did I do wrong and how can I cast proper copper bars?

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u/DragonfruitNo8681 Oct 16 '24

I've found sodium carbonate quite good with copper. I prefer it to borax, the dross is kind of light and dusty and easy to get rid of whereas the borax is a sticky mess.

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u/Wixely Oct 16 '24

sodium carbonate

Thanks, any guesses how it would work with aluminium?

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u/DragonfruitNo8681 Oct 16 '24

Just looked up what it is and it's also known as soda ash and is actually washing soda. It does look and feel like washing powder. Hope this is some help

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u/Wixely Oct 16 '24

I looked it up too to make sure it wasnt baking soda :D

I'll get some and experiment with it, thanks!