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Just curious if anyone here does small-scale metal casting—aluminum, brass, etc. Would love to see your setups or hear about your projects!

google doodle baseball said:
Just curious if anyone here does small-scale metal casting—aluminum, brass, etc. Would love to see your setups or hear about your projects!

I've always wanted to do it because being able to melt scrap aluminum and turn it into something useful or artistic is incredibly satisfying and environmentally friendly. But it has its drawbacks: Molten metal is no joke. Always wear full Personal Protective Equipment and it requires some skill to do.

I’ve dabbled in small-scale aluminum casting using a homemade charcoal furnace. It’s surprisingly doable with basic tools, though safety gear is a must.

Oui je fais cela avec différents métaux je fabrique aussi des alliages que je l'usine par la suite pour des créations !

Yeah, I’ve dabbled a bit with small-scale aluminum casting in my backyard. I put together a simple propane furnace using a steel bucket lined with refractory cement, and it works surprisingly well for melting down scrap cans and parts. I’ve only made a few basic molds so far, like ingots and small decorative pieces, but it’s a really fun hobby. I’d be interested to hear if you’re working with brass too—seems like it’d be trickier with the higher temps!

Honestly, small-scale metal casting feels way too technical for most folks to pull off.