Foundry Refractory Qualities
Foundry Refractory Qualities
(OP)
So after researching I have come to the opinion that Pearlite and portland cement make an excellent refractory with the major drawback being its inability to withstand heat much over 900 deg. F. If I am wrong about the temp please tell me. That's why I'm posting.
A major plus however is that pearlite and portland is no doubt the cheapest refratory mix available.
So what I plan to do is to buy a small amount of castable refractory to use as a liner and then use the cheaper mix to back that up.
Is that going to work?
The whole furnace is contained within a steel case so cracking should not be an issue?
I live in LA is there furnace cement around here?
A major plus however is that pearlite and portland is no doubt the cheapest refratory mix available.
So what I plan to do is to buy a small amount of castable refractory to use as a liner and then use the cheaper mix to back that up.
Is that going to work?
The whole furnace is contained within a steel case so cracking should not be an issue?
I live in LA is there furnace cement around here?





RE: Foundry Refractory Qualities
RE: Foundry Refractory Qualities
Please be careful in your project. In my opinion,seeking assistance of a local technical centre or college will be helpful. Without any disrespect to any of the contributing members in your thread,not all information that you seek are complete. They are mere guidance and you need to weighing the pros and cons,before attempting to proceed further.
Finally,please be patient,if no one has responded . Meanwhile continue using the forums and start contributing too!
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"It's better to die standing than live your whole life on the knees" by Peter Mayle in his book A Good Year
RE: Foundry Refractory Qualities
I always TRY to contribute in the arenas that I am an expert in.
RE: Foundry Refractory Qualities
RE: Foundry Refractory Qualities
I think I will basically do both since it's taking much longer to make the furnace than anticipated.
RE: Foundry Refractory Qualities
RE: Foundry Refractory Qualities
On a high note I just got off the phone with a local supplier of refractory so I believe I am good on that front. I'm going to have to bring my welder down from the cabin to manufacture some tongs and such.
Should be fun. I am a LOUSY welder with a good buzz box.
It may take a little longer to fire it up than I was hoping for but I am moving in the right direction.
RE: Foundry Refractory Qualities
RE: Foundry Refractory Qualities
sorry, lot of counter questions, but I need the answers to give you a tailored answer to your question.
For an example which worked quite well for me to cast small amounts of brass, you can watch this video of my at home casting project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBN7SgjeHXI
(a lot of trial and error, but it is the end result that counts!)
We have used a commercially available crucible, and put it in a ciruclated heat furnace (a little gas and forced air), lined with (compacted) glass wool (insulation material). after some initial trial and error, we got things right, and could melt 1 to 2 kg of brass in about half an hour (at temperatures of 1200-1250 degrees Celsius). Different setups of this principle are of course possible. The best results are made when the distance between crucible and furnace lining is relatively small (few cm at most), this way the crucible heats fastest.
Good luck with your furnace project,
BR,
Sylvia
RE: Foundry Refractory Qualities
I tried it out as it sits and it melted a cup or so of al. like right now. and that was with short bursts as I was trying not to melt or blow up my homemade refractory first time out.
I need a crucible and tongs gloves money to pay for all that crap and a beer and I'm good.