Casting an Ingot from Scrap Silver: A Silversmithing Tutorial

This tutorial shows how to cast an ingot from scrap silver. For this, you need a crucible, a torch that produces quite a bit of heat (probably an acetylene torch), an ingot mold, protective and safety equipment, and a well ventilated area. Make sure you have considered all of the safety issues surrounding working with molten metal before you attempt this.
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casting a silver ingot
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[@catherinemartina6469]

Thank you for all you put into your videos. You are a wonderful source of education and an asset to your field of work and art.

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thank you Catherine! That's a very nice compliment:)

[@aanhetlaentje]

Thank you so much! Love to watch your videos and learn from you!

[@chadssilversmithing]

I'm so glad! Thank you for the nice comment:)

[@chuckburroughs6427]

Thanks for making all these videos. They really help those of us new to the craft. You mentioned you were using the Smith Silversmith torch. That's the torch I'm planning to get. When I called the company, and told them I wanted to melt 5 - 6 ounces of silver at a time, they told me I'd need the #4 tip. It gets up to 4770° with that tip. That might help you melt your silver a little quicker. I'm using an electric casting furnace til I can get the Silversmith torch. I noticed too that you didn't oil your mold, that'll help with the wrinkles and silver sticking to it.

[@chadssilversmithing]

I'll look into it! Biggest I have is a #3.

[@crli4353]

To anyone reading this who is an aspiring silversmith, EQUIPMENT is essential and this video was a great example of what happens when you DON'T have it. The first piece of equipment needed is a proper torch. Ideally you will want a mixed gas torch, like o2 and propane. Being a silversmith requires the use of a lot of heat, far more than what gold requires. A smith little torch or a hoke torch in a mixed gas set up will serve you your whole career.

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks for supporting the channel by watching:)

[@jacquiventurini8844]

So a butane dremel torch is no use?

[@flyingcheff]

Hi Edie! Nice to meet your hand 😅 I sure wish I had another set of hands and a second torch when casting ingots. That's awesome! 🌺 🌺 🌺

[@chadssilversmithing]

Edie's hand says hello:)

[@offyarocka]

That was really cool to watch😎😎😎

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Offyarocka! It’s always kind of fun to melt stuff (at least when you are doing it intentionally:))!

[@nathaliepaquette7854]

Hi Chad, I really appreciate your video, I am a beginner in silversmith and you give me a lot of ideas. But let me tell you my trick when I melt the silver I heat the mold too but not a lot and put some W-40 in it. It helps to flow and reduce space in the ingot. Hope to have your opinion about that. Thanks again

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Nathalie! I will have to give that a try:)

[@Sadiejewelrydesign838]

Hey Chad! I recently tried an ingot pour. But unsuccessful. Now I know that mold has to be hotter than I had mine. Must now employ my husband as an assistant 😂!

[@chadssilversmithing]

Took me a while to get a decent one:)

[@civilizationkills3138]

Your content has a refreshibg chill and personal pace

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thank you:)

[@redhotjezebel]

Thank you, Chad! I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@chadssilversmithing]

Im really glad Redhotjezebel! Thanks for the nice comment:)

[@andreak001]

Hi Chad! Since you don't have a #4, you can use MAPP gas. I started out with that(I wonder why my bezel's kept melting!) I also use it in conjunction with my Silversmith torch. Thank's again for making your fantastic video's. I like the fact that you always tell us what gauge metal you're using, too. The more information, the better, I say! 😊😉

[@chadssilversmithing]

Hello Andrea:). Thanks for the advice! I haven't worked with MAPP gas much. I will look into it.

[@Gazz_R]

Great job Chad and thanks for sharing. Take care and have fun!

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Gazz. You too!

[@999fine4]

Excellent. Just looking into this.

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks for the comment:). Just be safe!

[@patredden4557]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@chadssilversmithing]

Same to you Pat!

[@andreak001]

Oh, and also, could you demonstrate how to season a crucible, please? Thanks!

[@chadssilversmithing]

I will look into it!

[@duanedodson1]

I make all my own wire and sheet, I don't know why, but I do. It often takes longer to make wire and sheet than it does to make the piece of jewelry.

[@chadssilversmithing]

It does take a lot of time to do that stuff:)

[@patredden4557]

Great video, I purchased the crucible a while ago but haven’t used it yet. I will have to get my husband to be my assistant, do you have to give them hazard pay?

[@chadssilversmithing]

I just make my wife an omelette most mornings:)

[@duanedodson1]

Butane is not hot enough; Butane is good for soldering jump rings and not much else.

[@chadssilversmithing]

True enough:)

[@HereWeAre__01]

do you think I can melt this much silver with my number 2 tip? I don't have a 3...

[@chadssilversmithing]

Probably:). Only one way to find out!

[@HereWeAre__01]

@@chadssilversmithing haha. I thought 'why am I asking this question? why not just DO it??' as soon as I asked! 😂

[@user-jy4bw3zl2k]

My oven goes up to 500 degrees, do you think that would be hot enough for the ingot mold? I have the exact same one as you.

[@chadssilversmithing]

That’s a good question. My feeling is that that may not be hot enough, but it would give you a higher temperature starting point to begin heating the mold with your torch:)

[@user-jy4bw3zl2k]

@@chadssilversmithing thank you👍🏼

[@duanedodson1]

Use borax during your melt, it will grab any oxides on your metal.

[@chadssilversmithing]

I need to get some more. I ran out:)

[@eivindkofod1774]

If you coat the mold with oil you would not have these problems

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thank you! You’re the second person to tell me that:)

[@Laser2Leather]

You didn’t mention it even though you did follow the safety rule NEVER BE SITTING DOWN, and in reality should be wearing leather Apron but I’m as guilty on that one myself, also avoid polyester clothing, I use an electric smelter and leave my mold on the vent…. A electric smelter is not overly expensive

[@chadssilversmithing]

I avoid polyester as a general rule anyway:)

[@Laser2Leather]

@@chadssilversmithing I was making silver beads when one got away from me and rolled into my lap, two balls decided very quickly the third WAS NOT WELCOME 😂 it sure enough proved I can still move darn fast when the occasion calls for it