Soda cans are melted in a homemade backyard foundry, and used to make something completely different.

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“Quick Clips” are clips of random experiments in a minute or less.

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Music By:
Music by Jason Shaw (RP-Clattertrap)
http://www.audionautix.com

Project Inspired By:

This foundry is an original design, which comes after months of experimenting, and over 10 different prototypes. The functionality is founded on ideas I collected while searching the internet for foundry designs.

WARNING: Charcoal foundries can reach temperatures in excess of 1,000ºC, which is well above the melting point of hobbyists. This project should only be attempted with adequate knowledge and training, proper protective safety gear, and in a fire resistant area with adequate ventilation. The sparks flying from the foundry can ignite fires, and the fumes from burning dross can be toxic. Use caution and common sense. Use of this video content is at your own risk.

Project History & More Info:

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been intrigued by the idea of melting metal and making things with it. The problem has always been that it was out of reach or required really expensive equipment.

In this project I experimented with 10 different prototypes, to develop a reusable backyard foundry that melts aluminum soda cans easily and safely. I tested different refractory recipes, different containers, different setting for blowing air, and different types of makeshift crucibles.

This video is a sneak peak of the final result of my experimenting, and I’m really excited to share the demonstrations, and show you how to build one.

Depending on where you get, or find, your materials the cost can range anywhere from $5-$25. Even on the high end, this is probably one of the cheapest, reliable, backyard foundries that can be made.

I used mine to melt soda cans, and extract the aluminum for future metal casting projects. I stored the ingots in various forms, which you’ll see in the next video, and tried a cool technique for making a little sword by pouring liquid metal into a bucket of sand.

I designed the foundry with some special features, so look for what it can do in the project video.

The purpose of my backyard foundry is to demonstrate the most basic setup for casting metals. However if you plan to attempt this approach yourself, some important things to consider beforehand are as follows;

– Soda cans work really well, however aluminum cans are one of the worst sources for aluminum to cast with, and some soda cans in the UK are actually made of steel. The alloy was meant for extrusion, so is not the best for casting. They also produce more dross (slag) because the thin walls oxidize quickly and the plastic coatings on the cans add impurities. A better source of aluminum for casting would be cast aluminum items from thrift stores, like electric skillets or small engine blocks from lawnmower shops.

– The crucible I used was steel, but it’s important to note that steel can be soluble in molten aluminum. It’s possible that when you lift the crucible out of the foundry, the bottom can dissolve out and drop molten aluminum onto you feet and onto the ground. A good refractory crucible can be purchased for about $30 online.

– Lastly, casting over concrete poses risks of steam explosions. If molten aluminum falls to the ground, it can superheat the moisture in the concrete and cause it to spall (steam explosion) where the aluminum lands. This can potentially send hot concrete and molten aluminum spraying everywhere. When possible, melt and pour metal over sand to minimize risks.

Note: Wearing polyester gloves like the ones I had in the video is risky because the material can melt into your hands if you get splashed by hot aluminum. This can potentially leave burns where the metal lands, ringed by plastic burned into the skin.

Other safety gear suggestions are:

– Leather gloves (or gloves designed for casting and hot work)
– Face shield (rated for hot work) to protect your face
– Long sleeves (leather if able)
– Proper crucible and crucible tongs
– Proper ingot mold (preheated before pouring)