I've done literally nothing yet in this hobby, and I plan to spend a while 70% lurking and 30% asking questions. What I have: Interest An engineering background Some scrap to melt (mostly aluminum and copper) Some history of silversmithing Potential space to work, full of boxes and stuff from a recent move What I don't have: A furnace A burner Functional space to work Knowledge Experience My interests: Craft items TBD Practical items TBD Tinkering with alloys I actually like reinventing wheels to find out how and why they roll. I don't mind rediscovering why some things (square wheels?) are bad ideas. My other hobbies (even though I have little time for any of them): Electronics Rocketry Silversmithing (my experience was decades ago and I don't have the tools)
I got into backyard metal casting in 2012, and it has been quite a ride I must say, but a lot of fun. I don't think I would have made it had I not had the support of the online folks who have offered so much help and encouragement. Welcome to the forum. We can definitely do stuff here, and can guide you if you wish to be guided (some don't). .
Welocme Joe. I lurked about AlloyAve for a couple years before starting my furnace build.....and have been at it ever since. Best, Kelly
It all starts there. See you around....I'll be the guy peaking around the OTHER corner ie...lurking. lol Al
Was on AA as Fredo for a few years.. Mytwhyt was my first handle using a 64 bit possessor .. Got some new ideas for lost wax, shell mold making.. Comes from an idea of combining dry wall dipping and rigidized alumina silica fiber blanket using silicon dioxide.. I did it with a few small skull castings on AA using it.. My redo will be this ash tray I did while posting on AA, sand cast....
Joe, Welcome to the insanity. You are definitely in the right place. The great thing about this sport is you can go as small or as large as you feel you are able. As for experimentation I have to say this is my favorite way to make shop jigs and fixtures. Plus, once you have one you can reproduce them as needed. Check out the Googly map and find someone nearby to help you get started. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1Y9SfkLRX5oEbO3v8XCFJf0EDNhs&ll=7.046723119652796,0&z=2
