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ConductorX:
--- Quote from: awemawson on July 10, 2013, 02:57:36 PM ---Why leave clay under half the car port? I would have though a concrete slab would be far more convenient - sweepable, 'jack against able' etc
--- End quote ---
I also plan a blacksmith furnace and I want to melt and pour metal. I have read that if I spill molten metal onto concrete it will explode from the sudden heat and changing water in the slab to steam. I'll have 30' x 30' with concrete for jacking up cars and such. The clay area of equal size for melting metal and doing torch work when dismantling cars. Hard packed clay won't be that much different than the concrete. I may have to add more in from time to time.
"G"
vtsteam:
You know, G, I thought the same thing about concrete and pouring metal, but I've seen mixed reports and opinions about that lately, and from people I respect who have poured for a long time.
I think that for me, if and when I can build a melting shed, I will go with concrete floors, but just spread some sand on top of it around where spills are most likely -- by the furnace and the pouring area for the flasks. It can be swept up when not needed. Seems like you'd have the advantages of both.
Clay might be as much of a problem if it gets wet -- as it will if you get both rain and wind. So I'd still use sand over it in a pouring area. But lucky you for the clay -- maybe it is refractory enough to be useful in casting operations!
ConductorX:
--- Quote from: vtsteam on July 11, 2013, 08:47:55 AM ---You know, G, I thought the same thing about concrete and pouring metal, but I've seen mixed reports and opinions about that lately, and from people I respect who have poured for a long time.
I think that for me, if and when I can build a melting shed, I will go with concrete floors, but just spread some sand on top of it around where spills are most likely -- by the furnace and the pouring area for the flasks. It can be swept up when not needed. Seems like you'd have the advantages of both.
Clay might be as much of a problem if it gets wet -- as it will if you get both rain and wind. So I'd still use sand over it in a pouring area. But lucky you for the clay -- maybe it is refractory enough to be useful in casting operations!
--- End quote ---
That sounds like a good idea. I just made a deal with my neighbor, He is going to remove the big pine trees for me to help clear a space for the additional work area.
"G"
vtsteam:
One more thought -- hope you don't mind -- a clay basin will drain into itself, even with sand in it, and hold water. A slab has the advantage that it can be above grade and always drain outwards.
tekfab:
It's not big enough, 6 months down the line you'll have run out of space ! :Doh:
Mike
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