Melt Sterling Silver Scrap into Sheet Metal | DIY Metalsmithing Tips

[@oceansage3027]

Huge help! Thank you so much Brandi. What is most helpful is that you used map instead of propane. I think I will go get the acetylene out, and not use the propane. I do love using the propane verses acetylene. It may just be the learning curve, but there is so much black soot. I will look into the fire bricks, thank you for adding the link in the description. You mentioned the stirring stick? Defiantly want one of those also. Is that what they are called, graphite stirring sticks? Also, thank you for the added info in description, I think that is what it is called. Such great tips on coating the crucibles. This is exactly the information I am looking for. Great Video! Now I am ready.

[@netcreativedesigns]

Yes. I completely forgot that. Give me a few minutes and I will update the description 😊

[@netcreativedesigns]

Description updated. Thanks for the reminder and the nice comments. The mapp gas in this situation was better. It just gets hotter than the propane so it really gets the job done.😊 You can also find fire bricks at your local hardware store. I will try to make a little short video showing how I have it set up but you just make a box out of it so the heat doesn’t escape.

[@engnardine]

hey there, thanks for demoing this process. Do you think the first butane torch (which you used for seasoning the crucible) would work for melting silver, even a much smaller amount that what you made? I have a similar one that I have yet to use but want to melt silver with it. Also how do you like your vevor rolling mill???

[@netcreativedesigns]

The first torch is a “little hottie” from Pepe. It’s great and if you did a melt just on your charcoal block (say like half an ounce maybe) it would work but not really for something like I did here. In this situation you also need enough heat for the crucible and the mold to get up to the correct temp or you will get cracking when you start to roll it out. The MAPP gas one I used (it’s linked below) is actually pretty inexpensive and made the process so much faster and gave a better product. I definitely went through quite a lot of trial and error with that whole process. I love my mill. I had their blue version first and it worked fine but they aren’t the very best. Even the one I have now has a small portion of rust but I just can’t afford a “good” one. It rolls things out pretty evenly as long as you set the rollers with a feeler gauge so it will work until I make it big😊😂. I’m not sure if that will actually happen but a girl can dream 😊 Thank you for watching and commenting! If you have any more questions please let me know. I’m also available on IG if that’s easier.

[@engnardine]

@@netcreativedesigns thank you Brandi so much for all this info. Very helpful. My current setup and space do not allow for a big torch like the map gas one unfortunately. May be when I move to a different place. I also would love a rolling mill at some point but may be it’s better for when I have the better setup.

[@netcreativedesigns]

I think I need to do that “bench tour” video for you. The Mapp gas torch is actually just the head attached to a one pound disposable tank. Give me a few days and I will try to post something to give you a better idea of the size. The rolling mills are actually really small. The only thing with those is the space needed for the arm.

[@engnardine]

@@netcreativedesigns yesss I am waiting for that detailed bench tour and any notes on how you made that bench "topper" (that's how I would call it lol). Also that torch head, mine is still in its box bec I am scared of putting it on the can. Does the flame goes out high when you initially put it? I have been using two different sizes of the butane torches but tired of refilling the bigger one, thats why I got that head. Still havent had the courage to use it yet. So you can only imagine how my fear would be using that mapp gas one, specially in a small closed space (with a window)

[@netcreativedesigns]

I wouldn’t be too worried about plopping it on the can. As long as the knob on the back is closed, it should be fine. I also would recommend trying the torch outside. Maybe in a garage like I have before you bring it inside and of course wear a good mask.😊 I didn’t “make” the topper. Someone close by me did and passed it on to me but I can definitely share all the things I’ve done and show off his amazing ingenuity. There is only one thing I would change about the bench if I were to do it myself and that would be to change the shelf underneath from particle board to a thin wood but I can definitely see why he did it that way. I will get it out as soon as I can 😊

[@ericarachel55]

perhaps save some time and hammer the ingot into a thinner sheet before rolling

[@netcreativedesigns]

I definitely wouldn’t consider hammering a sterling silver ingot of 4.5 ozt something that would save time. However, when filming this video, the strongest hammers I had was my 2 pound brass mallet and my 1.25” chasing hammer. The chasing hammer doesn’t have enough force behind it (neither do my arms for that matter) and swinging a 2 pound mallet would wear me down way too quickly. Since the filming of this video though, I learned of another type of hammer called a panel beating hammer. Here in the states it’s called an auto body planishing hammer. It’s possible that someone with good upper body strength could use that one to get the job done. Me personally, I’ve found it’s just easier to do what I can with the hammer and file/cut it to what I need to get it in the mill. That or try not to be too silly and possibly just melt less at a time. I’m still figuring all this out of course and experimentation is definitely key😊 Thank you so much for watching and engaging! It’s very much appreciated 🙂

[@ericarachel55]

@@netcreativedesigns I am here in America too, Long Island, NY. If you can get a small anvil and heat the silver slab it may be easier to thin the metal for rolling. A planishing hammer may work but most are on the lighter side. Try to hammer a hot slab and see if that works, you havent got anything to lose, get a pair of metal working tongs, probably from a blacksmith supply site to hold the silver slab. It has been many years since I pierced but I still have most of my tools and bench, back then gold was selling for around $400/oz, an average 14k plate for a nameplate necklace cost me around 40-50 dollars and I sold them for about 125, although I sold mor sterling silver pieces due to the lower cost. Anyway try the brass hammer or get a 2-3 pound hand sledge or check the blacksmiths supplies for something appropriate. Lots of luck to you!

[@netcreativedesigns]

The anvil is definitely on my list although I have no idea where I would put it. Thanks for the insight 😊

[@netcreativedesigns]

So after some more research, silver is not feasible like steel and doesn’t move the same when it’s hot. I want to add this here just in case someone who is new to silversmithing goes and tries it. I wouldn’t want anyone hurt because of something in one of my videos. It would be nice if it worked like that but the two metals really just don’t work the same.

[@ericarachel55]

@@netcreativedesigns interesting, I did find this..."place your sphere between 2 steel blocks and use a hammer to hit and flatten the silver."