How to Make a Free Aluminium Melting Furnace

[@abtinbarzin8369]

I've seen so many videos on DIY aluminium melting that claim to be cheap and easy, but all of them require something like heavy insulation foam or a gas tank for fuel. This is something I could just go to my local park and do with maybe ten minutes of rummaging in my rubbish bin beforehand. Absolutely brilliant, cheers lad.

[@kurtschmidt5005]

I have melted aluminum cans in my fire pit, I melted it in a soup can.

[@robertbates7269]

Pretty interesting, my suggestion would be to fill the can with water and freeze it so that the can does not de-form when drilled.

[@dukenuken4125]

The first 30 seconds of this video are more informative than the rest I've seen. thank you.

[@pulverpoul]

There is no info what so ever in the first 30 secs 😅

[@armandoblackhill1355]

Hero in disguise, thank you,let's get melting

[@solarfluxman8810]

On the TV show "Friends", Phoebe had a brother. She wanted to get to know him better. She asked him what things he likes. He said, "I like things that melt." Feeling a little uncomfortable, she then asked him what he didn't like. He said, "I don't like things that don't melt."😂

[@Thetruetoast1816]

Thanks for the video because a lot of the others are hard to get products but these are all at home products

[@bruce-le-smith]

That was very fun and easy to follow, thanks!

[@johnsbuilds8354]

This is fantastic I'm thinking of using cast aluminum as a substitute for unobtainium to replace a couple Miss parts for a current project

[@jerrodlopes186]

If you were to line your furnace with some fiberglass insulation your melt times would decrease dramatically.

[@thomaswakefield6889]

the topic of this video is FREE

[@Wolfe_Metals_Stacking]

Never seen it done this way before. Will have to give it a try at some point. I have some cast pieces taking up space.

[@thomaswakefield6889]

this is nothing more than just basic metalsmithing. this method has been in use for thousands of years before steel was ever invented. this is how copper, bronze, tin, lead and aluminum were cast

[@BornOfAsh]

I'm not questioning the viability of this, but this is more of an engineering type question. Would not it get hotter if there was 1 source of directional wind at the bottom opposed to many? Like a 'rocket stove', or am i just wrong about that all the way around? Thanks

[@MaxGiganteum]

You would be correct in your assessment. Overall, the method as demonstrated in the video will work to melt Aluminum, it's true. However, it's a really inefficient way to go about doing it. To put it nicely, it's a very BAD way to go about it. You'd be better off digging a hole into the ground or a bank of dirt! Why? The dirt would act as a superior insulator thus you would burn less wood and the temperature would be higher. Yes, it works but there are far better ways to go if you want to be serious with casting Aluminum and do it in a far safer manner. Soup cans are usually good for a melt but often fail before you get even a single one completed so beware! Wear some serious PPE and use some channel locks to hold onto the top of the can when you pour. NEVER get under the can with any part of your body. Be prepared for the worst because if the can lets go, you'll have molten Aluminum spilling wherever and whatever is burnable can/will get burned or ignite itself and burn. That includes your clothes and your skin! As far as what methods to use which are superior, search up other video clips where folks use a wide variety of methods to construct a furnace while using different fuels or electricity. With electricity, you can use heating elements in a furnace or use the induction heating method which is super fast but is expensive for the equipment. Depending on what you can scrounge up, are willing to pay for and based on your talent... you can invest a little time, energy & money or a lot. You can make do and get by... maybe... or do it right from square one and produce excellent, consistent results. My best advice is to see what others have done and make an informed decision for yourself. Try to hook up with a hobbyist or two in your area (or a group!) and get some time in helping them out and ask them to teach you the ropes. You'll get a much better idea as to what you really want to do and how far you want to go with metal casting. You'll also potentially save yourself a lot of the previously mentioned time, effort and money. Some folks get really excited by what they see in a video then once they experience it? They decide it isn't for them. The smart play is to get educated, get some experience and make informed decisions. Best wishes! - Max Giganteum

[@wigg1yscott554]

OK so I tried this and it does work. Thing is, I couldn't find a paint tin small enough so had to go with a larger tin. As you said in the video, it did take more wood. Problem is it was a huuuuuge amount of wood. I have a lot of precut pallet wood but I got about 8 cans done and needed to fill the tin twice. At that rate all the wood will be gone in no time. I also noticed that the crucible kept falling over and it's difficult to keep adjusting it as the fire gets so hot that it's hard to get close enough. I think it's back to the drawing board for me.

[@MetallurgyData]

Hi, great to hear you’ve tried it. Have you tried charcoal? Obviously you’ll have to pay for it but the furnace should be much more efficient. Hope that helps

[@raymondo162]

"I also noticed that the crucible kept falling over" balancing the fire tube and the molten ally on very thin edges of those bricks is asking for trouble

[@coyotemines2383]

You could make a stand that the can sits on it might work and charcoal would work best or just cut down trees weeks prior to melting

[@dansw0rkshop]

Or just go to the effort to make a legitimate furnace with firebrick lining and so forth

[@snelgrave101]

What did people go back to before the drawing board was invented??🤨

[@ELPaso1990TX]

This is just what I need! I make 1:250 scale model airliners from wood if I could make a sand mould I could cast the fuselage and wings and make many of them far quicker than carving the wood! I will use drinks cans and used foil. I might use charcoal however as it burns a lot longer than wood.

[@gigmaresh8772]

Vienna sausage cans, spam cans, kitty food cans . . . And the lids!

[@danielheckel2755]

Update?

[@unknown_bravo_6774]

can you also use graphite cans for the crucible?

[@p0ln]

have a look at the dakota fire hole

[@guyh.4553]

You never said what you used for your casting mold. What is it? I've used my portable fire pit to burn scraps & pieces of disposable wood and spring pruning off of the junipers and othe decorative wood in the yard. Got the fire so hot, i had to stand 20 ft away. Very good alternative. It also works great on windy days, you won't need the blow dryer. Liked the video.

[@andytraill]

Seems to be a brick...

[@jakeohlucas5335]

God bless you for this video

[@ToperOztr]

I love this video nice job keep making vids(:

[@oliversjmildmay2970]

Yeh Interesting Thanks. Simple Method and relatively easy

[@edgarcanseco399]

Exactly what I needed to know. Thank you 🙏

[@lalhmaa9739]

Nice vedio👍👍👍

[@tylerwestman5258]

Here’s a tip for ppl using wood… as time goes the high temperature will turn it into charcoal before it completely burns I did a test and the temp was basically the same maybe a 20degree difference

[@xenon-aeronautical]

Would adding bbq charcoal help or would it be a waste?

[@tylerwestman5258]

@@xenon-aeronautical if you have more wood then charcoal why use charcoal… or turn your wood into charcoal like I do(I got around 200lbs+ of charcoal I’ve made… and yes it would help

[@michaelabratzel6371]

From my experience, even in a a 16cm high container 'air flow management' could be an issue. Did you try it with less holes? In my guess at least those 10mm holes on the side are contraproductive. And maybe only one row of 22 or 20mm holes on the side.

[@michaelabratzel6371]

I guess your set up could really gain from a cleaner burn.

[@michaelabratzel6371]

Hmm maybe that can size is slightly to small for a decent chimney-effect (sorry for my lacking English, by the way. I assure u, I don't want to patronize. Ur clips are awesome and really educating!) If you're keen to try bigger setups: try to get hold of a drum from an old washing machine. I know I don't have to explain it to you but for the the benefit of other readers: simply spoken the steel and it's thickness those drums are made of will usually take extremly long till it's burned out/brittle. And you could mess with application some sheet-metal to manage air flow.

[@matthewburns6843]

@@michaelabratzel6371 that's an excellent idea as well!!

[@darrenmurray861]

The lowest tech option I’ve seen, but one that works and is cheap Enough for someone who wishes to tinker with metallurgy.

[@colinageda2649]

Excellent display.thanks a lot.😅

[@hook5966]

@2:20 "As long as it is made of steel." Use this tin can.

[@kushpaladin]

"tin" cans are really just steel cans with a thin layer of tin

[@eileendavies5426]

Hi..GREAT STUFF..WILL WATCH A COUPLE TIMES TO TAKE IT IN...THANKS EILEEN...

[@Fawkes-ent]

Life saver a part for my bike broke today so I will attempt to clone it :)

[@stinkythestunk9803]

How did it go? I'm curious!

[@TheSylphenheimGuy]

​@@stinkythestunk9803he was never heard from again...

[@ZygoArachnid]

Awesome! Thanks! What if you used a ceramic crucible? Could the furnace get hot enough to fire a homemade clay pot? Clay is not hard to make from dirt. I think you need to mix it with some grog or sand to keep it from cracking in the fire. I have never actually fired a homemade pot, but I have researched it.

[@jamesanderson2176]

How do you deal with the large amounts of aluminum oxide that will form when molten aluminum is exposed to atmosphere?

[@MetallurgyData]

The amount of oxide is not too bad, it tends to be just a thin layer on the surface. I use a spoon to remove just prior to pouring.

[@drakekoefoed1642]

if you can cover the pot with some wood chips inside they will form a reducing atmosphere and turn your oxide back to metal. i did this a lot with a teapot casting fishing sinkers

[@Dardomor]

​@@drakekoefoed1642 how? They'll drop into the metal, is that a problem or will you just scoop it out before pouring?

[@SilverSin]

​@Dardomor I think it'll either burn off or just float to the top. Either way skim the surface before pouring.

[@kinbolluck476]

​@@Dardomor It turns into a skin on the top of the liquid

[@abcstardust]

Excellent video! Thanks for Posting!

[@jesjames]

Great stuff!

[@GreaseMonkeyAuto]

Really, really well done

[@Aelanna]

What I wonder is what do you do with the aluminum you've cast? DO you use it for something, or sell it, or what?

[@MikeySmithJones]

Love it! How'd you turn the brick into a cast to pour into? Thanks!

[@fahrimertdincer8421]

old construction brics has area that makes holding them easyer he is using that area for casting

[@Umski]

Thanks, does it have to be a Farrow and Ball tin or will Dulux do?

[@johnny4eel]

😄😄

[@JohnSmith-ki2eq]

Be VERY careful if you used a galvanised container, burning off the coating produces poisonous fumes that can kill, so burn off the coating in an open well ventilated area.

[@JasonQuackenbushonGoogle]

would charcoal burn hotter and require less air to increase temp?

[@MetallurgyData]

Yes it would. I try to use charcoal if I can

[@MaxGiganteum]

Forget charcoal... it's usually too expensive compared to natural gas. Yes, I know that you can make it yourself and some folks can attain it super cheap or for free... and some folks can also get coal as well. If that's true, go for it. Even so, they don't burn very clean in most home built furnaces. Based on cost for the average guy at home though, it would be better to build a proper gas furnace. Best wishes! - Max Gigantum

[@garypic4083]

What kind of mony do you make at the scrap yard

[@victorrodriguez5590]

Thank you

[@davidwillard7334]

Looks like ! Your Using ! Quute ! An Absolute ! Lot ! Of Rusty ! Cans ! To Make some ! Aluminium ! Here !

[@snchongloi1580]

Can I use tin fish can for keeping molten aluminum

[@MetallurgyData]

Try a magnet, if it sticks, yes!

[@ironhorsemoto3725]

Informative.. i enjoyed it

[@jethan9942]

Thanks this helped me so much 👍

[@cervod2529]

I'd presume it's possible to melt aluminum cans in this setup relatively easily, correct?

[@MetallurgyData]

Hi, the wood is probably good for one melt. You should be able to melt some but it might be best using charcoal as the heat will last for longer. Also, a tin can is only just large enough to fit a aluminum can in, so if you crush them they might not fit. Hope that helps

[@MaxGiganteum]

Yes but it's a waste of time to melt Aluminum cans even if you crush them first. There's not enough mass to make it worth it. Attain some substantial scrap aluminum from wherever you can such as a small gas engine block that's non-repairable or used up pistons from an automotive engine. There are other parts as well such as an aluminum head that's shot. The quality will be much greater than cans too. The truth is that Aluminum can be found in all sorts of items... but try to stick to scrap that's worthwhile. Cheaply made products contain crap Aluminum which is OK if you're making something ornamental. If you want to cast useable parts, use Aluminum that was originally cast into engine or transmission parts. They'll be made from an alloy that's superior. Best wishes! - Max Giganteum

[@bruinflight]

BRILLIANT

[@Thatboybrezzy]

Can I use a cast iron pan

[@josephdvid6]

I am very interested in melting down aluminum cans into metal sheets to then water jet. How would I be able to do that?

[@armandoblackhill1355]

eres el maestro compadre.😎

[@Hifi-Glory2955]

thanks🤙

[@abasketofcrutches2955]

as a complete newcomer to this type of thing, im really looking forward to trying out my first, and free furnace 😍

[@rogerdee.926]

Pouring the molten metal into the 'brick frog' was a good finish.

[@SCP-5402]

Can you use coal in it as well?

[@stuartcarefoot4804]

Remind me again what are you making and how much will it cost?

[@allanfahrenhorst-jones6118]

Good job. 👍😁❤️😇

[@gregarmstrong4653]

also, be sure to capture the molten metal shower on high speed camera as the brick explodes

[@bhaskarpatil4976]

How many hours to melting

[@dynamit2735]

Ha yaar merko bhi janna hai

[@headstocktailstock]

Well done, apart from the "crucible" burning out molten aluminium dissolves steel.

[@TheRojo387]

Have you realised that ceramic crucibles are better? They don't burn off because they're already fully oxidised from their kiln firing. I would save the tin cans to make magnets and other steelware.

[@seebybermo9167]

I like the music, what is it?

[@themadcat9169]

Can I use one of those charcoal starters as my vessel to start a fire in? And then put The crucible inside of that? There's less holes but from reading the comments less holes might work better?

[@paulcarroll9172]

Thankyou Sir.

[@MilesProwerTailsFox]

Weird, is not the same furnace that half of KZbin uploaded already Never seen this happen before

[@gorunmezbiri4176]

odunla aleminium eritmek ilginç bir deneye benziyor eriyen sıvıyı kalay zannedenlerde olabilir çocukken sobanın dökümünün kırmızı olduğu zamanlar olurdu o zamanlada belkide bir mikktar aleminium u hadde edebilirdik bir kapta belki

[@fvrrljr]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA i have a Hobo Rocket Stove and done Smores with my daughter. i'll have to make one and melt some aluminum Thanx for the tip

[@NathanBrown-z7o]

How about charcoal trap your wood gas over & over make it in clay.

[@kenwebster5053]

No, you shouldn't use a steel crucible for aluminium. Iron is one of the most troublesome impurities in aluminium cast materials. During the solidification of aluminium alloys, iron promotes the formation of intermediate phases, which may damage the properties of the final product.

[@petelove9731]

Hi everyone, great video. Don’t know how this has past me by. I have a lot scrap aluminium so this will be great to get going on small projects. Thank you

[@bloggalot4718]

Just make sure the mould is completely free of water as it can cause violent reaction.

[@malibuhiegts]

Nice, I remember melting my old Warhammer figures that are probably typically worth a lot a lot of money, well would have been Anyways we found an old concrete post with some words and used the letter "A" as a makeshift arrow mould, we used a beercan to melt the led in a fire then poured it into the cast, it instantly spat and thankfully nobody was hurt, my friend who luckily wore glasses had specks of led on his glasses, be very careful with molten metals, it could be an instant and everything is damaged beyond repair Use decent PPE and warm up the cast before pouring metal into it

[@billrichardson2256]

Hi, How long did it take to melt your aluminium in your system?

[@MetallurgyData]

Hi, normally about 20min. I have had it take longer sometimes, I’m thinking it’s something to do with different types of wood.

[@matthewburns6843]

@@MetallurgyData hi, what would you say is the best wood for burning? Thanks!!

[@raymondo162]

@@matthewburns6843 tree wood

[@FreeRangeLunatic]

I personally use madrona. It's an oily hard wood it doesn't burn up too fast but it burns extremely hot and less smoke ,I have found. But I do suggest that removing the 'bark' as to help reduce the smoke also

[@Pepperunderscore]

@@raymondo162 really ? I Didn't thibk about using wood forming in trees ! Thanks for the usefull tip !

[@cecilevanbruggen1647]

I dont understand how a tin can doesn't melt as a crucible, ain't the melting point of tin a lot lower than aluminium?

[@TheNiccodemus]

Tin cans aren't tin, they're steel.

[@xenoxaos1]

I don't think they've made them from completely tin in decades.

[@TheRojo387]

Fun fact: pure tin melts at a lower temperature than aluminium. Copper makes an excellent crucible material.

[@kushpaladin]

yes you can melt tin on a stove

[@PhysicsViolator]

I think he meant steel

[@MaxGiganteum]

Fun fact: when he states "tin" he means steel. He's probably English. When they say "tin" or "tins" they're referring to steel items. Another fun fact: copper does NOT make for a good crucible you dolt! Epic facepalm! - Max Giganteum

[@Beauregard42]

I'm trying to make a sword, and I was thinking about using aluminum or copper for the handguard. Or bronze.

[@Constable.Chauvin]

dont use aluminum, it makes your hands black

[@peacefulscrimp5183]

Great video 👍

[@darrennixon8765]

Nice

[@tmzz3609]

Its not actually a tin can...... "Tin Cans" are steel with a tin plating. It may have started as a "tin can" but Tin's melting point is extremely low so that tin lining was gone within minutes of the fire lighting

[@edeaglehouse2221]

2:24 I don't think a tin can is a good idea. Doesn't tin have a far lower melting point than aluminum (or aluminium, as you Brits say)? I think you meant a steel can.

[@luke_fabis]

Tin cans are steel, tin foil is aluminum. It's just a colloquialism.

[@andrewwilson6085]

Tin cans are actually made from tin plated steel. The tin plating is to prevent corrosion of the steel.

[@neilcrompton3488]

U can melt aluminium cans but the downside is most cans have a plastic lining,u will need to skim the plastic & the colored print from the outside of the cans off the surface of the molten aluminium.

[@Duffy46]

cool

[@dnomyarnostaw]

Tin Cans make lousy crucibles. They are soldered along one side, and prone to melt. Solid steel pipe with a bottom welded to it are far superior. Also, if you have enough bricks, build the walls up a little bit taller than the main container, and lay reflecting Aluminium foil or house insulation on them to reflect the heat from the main container. Leave gaps in the walls for airflow, of course.

[@joeschmo622]

I made my first T1000 this way.

[@gigmaresh8772]

I bought a brand new Toshiba T1000 way back in 1987 😅

[@SirCumferencelel]

Ah. That is what I was missing. Air supply. Im such a dunce.

[@Chronic_Pothead]

its always easy to make stuff for free... its the making it work part that always cost... hence the electric hair dryer for the air flow ....

[@hotheadsniper]

Can we use it to melt brass and copper ?

[@MetallurgyData]

Hi, the temperatures won’t be high enough to melt brass and copper. You’ll need lump wood charcoal but still might struggle with this setup.

[@MaxGiganteum]

One word: Negative!

[@notreallydavid]

I know nothing - but don't metals buyers want some data on purity? Apologies for thicko question. Regards to all.

[@neilklima5467]

I'd kill for a nice crucible.

[@MaxGiganteum]

You can find them online with a wide range of prices and quality. If you cast seldomly, manufacture a small crucible out of a section of steel pipe - weld a cap on one end. Stay away from galvanized pipe unless you grind the coating off of it! Best wishes! - Max Giganteum

[@jphuman7921]

First off all make sure u have enouth wood as you gone use so much wood to get the temp for alu as the wood will burn out fast rather use briquetes that will be so much better

[@robertkat]

And what for?

[@JamesHGroffSr]

You guys better explain the DANGERS of WATER in the mold and popping and burning some person that got an ignoant education on castings.Thats something you just dont jump into and think your melt all your aluminum down to conveniunt ingots.My father had a body shop and use autobody lead for filling a low spot in autobody work or the edge of a so called DOG LEG on the edge of a quarter panel which gave good strenght, in the end i would swep up the fillings and use them for making lead sinker dipseys and ne showed me the DANGERS of a casting mold which contain a very small amount of WATER?It can actually explode.Make sure your mold is hot when recieving liquid metal BE CAREFULL.

[@garyhempel6316]

how do you get an 80s pop band out of a hair dryer? (Air Supply) I mean "All out of love" is a good song but...

[@DynamicsRP]

Thes is bloddy perfect becous i just baugth a air compresor for something else that will be perfect for air supply

[@puppypride4917]

This worked for me but just be careful because the tin can broke quickly

[@KGruending]

Guy sounds like David Firth. (Salad Fingers)

[@dietarychef2212]

I would just use a old charcoal grill and a tin can

[@nowonmetube]

Why would you want to do that though?

[@MetallurgyData]

Why wouldn’t you want to do that? ;)

[@raymondo162]

@@MetallurgyData because the way you showed to do it is clearly dangerous. and dangerous with fire and molten metal is VERY dangerous indeed

[@FreeRangeLunatic]

I am using melted aluminum to fill voids in my natural made melee weapons.

[@kmoecub]

How to make a dangerous "furnace" that will cost you more in hospital bills than building a proper one. It's not even reasonably stable, and the fact that it's not insulated means that the fuel cost per-pour will be greater than the value of the ingot that's made.

[@thijs425]

4:37 gekoloniseerd

[@chopper5371]

I believe you tried!

[@nurlatifahmohdnor8939]

AlO 1. Melting Point = 650 degree Celcius 2. Boiling Point = 2450 degree Celcius The Celcius (C) scale: go to pg 48.

[@raymondo162]

???

[@qwertyuiop-hl9tf]

Big boy bookworm! I'm only on page 23...?

[@giancarloandrebravoabanto7091]

2:10 a cruci WHAT ...oh just a fancy invented name

[@FreeRangeLunatic]

? You are joking? Im just guessing.

[@MaxGiganteum]

Crucible. Not a fancy name... a real and legitimate name for an item commonly used to hold molten metal. Look it up and educate yourself. - Max Giganteum

[@gigmaresh8772]

Apparently has never seen that play or seen the movie

[@Custerd1]

“Tin can” made of steel? No one makes cans out of tin anymore.

[@luke_fabis]

Well yeah. Tin is too soft and can't be processed to be tough, and it crumbles in cold temperatures. It's great for alloying with other metals, but it's kind of a crappy material on its own.

[@Custerd1]

@@luke_fabis It’s also more expensive than steel.

[@sai63836]

They are often lined with tin because it is more inert ☝🤓