They forcast rain for later today but took a chance anyway and decided to run melting tests on the atmospheric burner.
Pictures:
1 The furnace ready to go, 2, 5 lb. charges of aluminum ready to go.
2 2 molds and the ingot mold ready to go, a salvaged SS grinder water pot to be used for the skimmed goo of the top of melt.
3 Safety equipment, pouring shank and Omega temp. meter.
Lit the furnace at 1:32 , gas press. at 20 psi and furnace cold.
1:38 initial charge melted, continued to add metal till pot 1/2" from lip.
1:48 Pot full, checked temp 1382*F , shut furnace down and skimmed melt, inserted shank and poured first mould remainder in ingot mold.
Melt time 16 min. from cold.
Returned crucible to furnace recharged with aluminum.
2:03 burner back on furnace hot added aliminum to fill pot to 1/2" of lip again.
2:16 Pot full, checked temp. 1406*F, shut down burner skimmed and poured.
Melt time from hot 13 min.
For 5 lbs the melt times are amazing. You bairly have time to catch your breath before moving to the next step.
The pouring shank worked like a champ, slide it in and that crucible is part of your arm, very good control.
Cheers
CB