How I am making an electric furnace

Discussion in 'Furnaces and their construction' started by Scott K., Sep 17, 2017.

  1. Al2O3

    Al2O3 Administrator Staff Member Banner Member

    No doubt kilns can be a very good value...and often times can be had for hauling them away. They're like exercise equipment as far as least used and forgotten equipment. You just need to have the space for them. Put one on wheels and use as is.

    Best,
    K
     
  2. Jason

    Jason Gold

    Thats a nice kiln for 125bones. If it doesnt smell like cat piss... BUY IT!
     
  3. Scott K.

    Scott K. Copper

    Well I just finished my first burnout and pour. I am happy to report that it was almost perfect. It went so well, I don't even care I burned my thumb. Well, I do, but not as much.

    I did have a few minor issues. The controller on the forge only indicated 75deg F the whole time. Maybe the thermocouple went bad? It worked out though. I just kept it on until the aluminum was melted.

    Also, I used the wrong kind of tube to connect to the vacuum pot. The heat softened the tube and it pinched shut. It still held a vacuum though.

    The aluminum melted quicker than I though it would, so the flask didn't have enough time to cool before pour. It was still about 800F when I poured.

    I have no idea what the melted aluminum temp was. I have a pyrometer, but in my rush, I forgot to use it. I also don't know if I removed enough slag before pour. I think I did.

    The biggest problem was the printed part. Apparently there were some holes in the print, so one side of the block looks like a sponge. The engine is about 2 1/4" long.

    image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg

    But I am really excited now. I have a few changes I need to make, but I would call today a complete success. Thanks everybody for your comments, ideas, and support.
     
  4. DavidF

    DavidF Administrator Staff Member Banner Member

    Youll have to swing by with the casting when you get a chance, id like a closer look at it.
    Is it the camera or is the casting a darker grey color?
    One thing i know for certain...Your hooked now!! ;):D
     
  5. Negativ3

    Negativ3 Silver

    That looks fantastic for a first cast. I am now itching like hell to get back to it! :)

    So, it was a PLA 3d print, encased in POP or other material, burned out and poured?
     
  6. Al2O3

    Al2O3 Administrator Staff Member Banner Member

    Hey congrats Scott nice result especially for first go at it......and so it begins.

    Best,
    Kelly
     
  7. Scott K.

    Scott K. Copper


    Yea, definitely. When are you around? Not sure about the color.
     
  8. Scott K.

    Scott K. Copper

    Thanks. It was PLA, in plasticast. Burned out and poured like lost wax, with vacuum assist.
     
  9. Scott K.

    Scott K. Copper

    Thanks.
    Yea, It'll be hard to get back to my other projects that don't need castings.
     
  10. DavidF

    DavidF Administrator Staff Member Banner Member

    Ill be around Friday and Saturday all day.
    Might have just been the pic on my cell phone making it look grey, looks lighter on my computer...
     
  11. Scott K.

    Scott K. Copper

    I'll swing by Friday afternoon. 1:30ish?
     
  12. Tobho Mott

    Tobho Mott Gold Banner Member

    Impressive first pour, good job!

    Jeff
     
  13. Scott K.

    Scott K. Copper

    Thanks, I appreciate it. I still can't believe it actually worked.
     
  14. DavidF

    DavidF Administrator Staff Member Banner Member

    Works for me..
     

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