Microwave Kilns, Lost Wax/PLA/Resin casting with a Vacuum Cleaner

Patreon: / shakethefuture
This is the second part of the video I published 10 months prior to this one. "Melt Metals in the Microwave | The Ultimate Guide" was the first video. Originally, it was supposed to be one video, but in the end, I split it into two parts. In the video, I show alternative ways to get into metal casting. I demonstrate how to make microwave kilns and how to use them to burn out moulds for Lost Wax, Lost Resin, or Lost PLA projects. I also demonstrate how it's possible to use flask-less moulds together with an ordinary vacuum cleaner to achieve great metal casts.
Elegoo Mars 4 9k Printer
www.elegoo.com/en-es/products...
Liqcreate Wax Castable Resin
www.liqcreate.com/supportarti...
Moulds and files showcased in this video are available for KZbin members , Patreons or they can be downloaded from Printables store.
www.printables.com/model/7809...
Old Microwave Kiln Video: • Diy Microwave Kiln - ...
Melt Metals in the Microwave: • Melt Metals in the Mic...
Open Source Ring: www.thingiverse.com/thing:358031
______________
Affiliate links help to support the channel at no extra cost to you
Silicone Vacuum Tube: amzn.to/3SRTOKT
3 cup funnel: amzn.to/4bQPpAz
6 cup funnel: amzn.to/42Panf7
9 cup funnel: amzn.to/49mXJGC
12 cup funnel: amzn.to/3Ibh2qj
400 pins: amzn.to/3IbyOK9
Kapton Tape: amzn.to/49tfoMM
Ceramic Fiber Blanket: amzn.to/3uZmxWo
Silicone Swimming cup for the sleeve: amzn.to/3OWchov
Cycle/Loop Timer: amzn.to/3TaIQlc
Needle Tip Squeeze Bottles: amzn.to/3uKZDSm
www.printables.com/model/7932...
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Chapters
00:00
00:01 Intro
01:40 How to make a microwave kiln (boric acid)
06:42 How a Thermal Cut-off Switch Works
11:15 How to make a microwave kiln (sodium silicate)
15:13 How to make a kiln wash/Shelf primer
16:07 Fusing glass with a small microwave kiln
17:06 How to make a Large Microwave Burnout Kiln
23:26 Lost PLA casting aluminium funnel
40:17 Vacuum Casting metal with a vacuum cleaner
48:16 Lost PLA Casting a Toothpaste Squeezer
52:52 Lost Resin Casting a Brass Ring
55:47 Lost Resin Casting Jewellery
57:30 Lost Resin Casting a Ring (Aluminium & Brass)

[@amandahugankiss4110]

took me way, way too long to notice your fancy machine was just a sideways microwave. i laughed so hard.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Yes, I did not mention it in the video, since I already showed it in the first video "melt metals in the microwave". It can confuse people 😀

[@ShakeTheFuture]

This is the second part of the video. If you have not seen the first video ("Melt Metals in the Microwave"), you might want to check it out first. This was a 5-year journey of exploring alternative ways of metal casting. Turns out, you can do a lot with a microwave and a vacuum cleaner. This video was delayed over and over again for various reasons. I am pleased and relieved that it's finally finished. Thank you for your patience

[@RandyCampbell-fk3pf]

Dremel makes some pointed, ceramic bits that can clean up the small holes.

[@alycapo3391]

Thank you so much for making this

[@ShakeTheFuture]

@@alycapo3391 Cheers!

[@TechnoGlobalist]

Man this is so genius and simple. I really see lots of people using this to kickstart many different business

[@andreasstromberg]

4:51 7:32

[@dnltbrca]

It's incredibly awesome that you chose to share your 5 years of experience in doing this with the world, and i'm truly honored to have had the privilege of watching it. can't wait to see what other people use this for!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You very much! It's overwhelming!

[@antoniopoll3377]

As a process engineer who has worked in the investment casting industry for almost 40 years, I am very impressed with your work.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You! You made my day. Glad to hear that people find useful/interesting the information shared in the video.

[@lhinarizona6658]

Polishing in the small holes... I've been a silversmith for close to 50 years and for polishing inside small holes I use tooth picks in a rotary tool like Dremel or Foredom. Use with your favorite metal polish and it is cheap to replace when you break one. :)

[@madebyrasa]

and dip them in waterglass, then powder carbide. after they dry, it's sandpaper on a toothpick.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

That's interesting. I'll give it a try. Thank You!

[@taniaquesada-vargas4013]

I'm thinking that dentist tools could maybe work to polish the small holes...

[@mattwilliams3456]

Is vibratory polishing effective for things like this?

[@JosuRibeiro]

What about using a tumbler with very fine steel shavings?

[@youmebornfree]

I will "CAST" this dude as my right hand man during a zombie apocalypse. It's rare you feel like you are earning a degree while watching someone tinker in their apartment. This is KZbin University at its finest. Keep it up Mistro. I love how efficient you are in thought and action. You inspired, educated, and entertained the holy trifecta of social media. How did 182k people find you before me? Cheers.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You very much for the comment. It made my day

[@panther105]

I love how you offer many options for doing the same step in the process. Shows that you understand your audience and want everyone as possible to feel they can do it too... !!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@LincolnWorld]

I didn't even make it 5 minutes into the video before I thought, "I need to subscribe to this channel, now!" I will be watching this video many times over once I get all the stuff needed to start doing this. I knew about microwave kilns, and lost PLA casting, vacuum casting, etc, but I never realized how straightforward and actually doable it was in my own home. I've always sent stuff off to people that have the equipment. This video is very inspirational!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks! I am glad you found it useful!

[@EgonSorensen]

:-) Interesting topic, interesting comments? I always go see here before I watch; so many click baits now-a-days. Sure, gut feeling was correct - super content, and I'm subbed as well.. Thanks ShakeTheFuture, for sharing and caring

[@WaffleStaffel]

This series is an outstanding contribution, thank you!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@sierraecho884]

I think this might be the single best video on KZbin to create a cheap kiln and establish a cheap process to cast metal parts. Kudos

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@MickTee2k]

I just wished such well researched and informative videos were more common on KZbin. You earned my subscription!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks! I am glad you are joining the community.

[@MickTee2k]

​@@ShakeTheFuture You earned it! While I am a big fan of DIY, to me most of the kiln and furnace designs involve too much time, space, and effort when compared to the cost of the commercial offerings - that is, until now. Part of the issue for me is that finding the raw materials is difficult when you live in the tropics but that ceramic wool seems easy to get as it is light and transportable and its used in pizza ovens! But I have noticed there is a product called "Superwool" which seems a much easier/safer product to work with, but at a higher price. Do you have an opinion on it? Worth considering?

[@ShakeTheFuture]

@@MickTee2k I have never used it. It does look like much safer product to use. If I'll ever make more kilns, I might try it out. Cheers!

[@yashasvihanda6516]

I am gonna watch it full not only because i am an artist and i want make kiln as well but the sheer enthusiasm you put in your content. I have watched a few videos by you a few years back but never initiated to even start making a kiln but now i think i might. The knowledge you are sharing is truly helpful. Thank you.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You very much. I am glad you found it useful.

[@sydnerd]

Was trying to find something to calm down and I spent almost 50 uninterrupted minutes watching this attentively. Such a great, calm and witty presentation of a true craft. Thank you. Now to bed :)

[@BartJBols]

How was your sleep?

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks for watching!

[@doriankinsey2418]

Motherf#ckka! The coolest video I've ever seen! Very informative video, everything is explained down to the smallest detail. Keep it going bro💪

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@emailformosa]

Absolutely. Everything is, “yes!”

[@Cyromantik]

I like your subtle sense of humor, it took me off guard a few times. Very informative and interesting video, thanks for sharing your process!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@flipschwipp6572]

Glad people like you take their time to give excellent advise

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks!

[@lagartocarburante]

Best KZbin channel i ever seen, cant wait to the next video !!

[@GordonDykes]

I am inspired watching you share this. I will have to build one of these one day too. The possibilities are endless. Thank you for sharing your findings.

[@hicamajig]

This is taking DIY to the next level. Love it!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@toddbrous_untwist]

This is such a fantastic project! Thanks for posting!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You Todd!

[@FilmFactry]

This was absolutely excellent!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@kocy33]

Really impressed! Very detailed results with household supplies. Wow

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank you!

[@felixquehl]

This is amazing engineering, love it!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@nickeverett]

Thank you for all your hard work and good research and documentation!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks for watching Nick! I appreciate that you took the time to leave a comment.

[@romankokareko9559]

This is the best video on this topic, Thank you.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@nathanb62]

OMG it's here!!! Ive been waiting for this video!! I just bought all the stuff.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank you for the patience! Cheers Nathan!

[@sumguysr]

Thank you for sharing your hard work. This is so impressive!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Cheers!

[@peterbuxton8176]

Superb video, thank you for making this. I appreciate you 👊👍

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks for watching!

[@caseyjordan9513]

Wow this is an incredible video. Bravo

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You very much!

[@mrstanlez]

Nice video. For your issue with melting bubbles in copper, you can use many solutions. But most and not overpriced is adding some special salts into copper before melting. And second is using vibration / ultrasound after colling phase. Or both methods together for fine surface. Don't stop.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks for the tip. I will definitely explore some of these suggestions.

[@MrGroovyHouse-fe4cw]

Absolutely brilliant, mi amigo!! And great cliffhanger at the end! Have a subscription!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@ramingo.craftsman]

Un video spettacolare! 👌 Un'ora di preziosissime informazioni per tutti i makers.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You very much!

[@liqcreate]

Thanks for sharing and great to see that with the right workflow, materials, temperature management and timing you were able to produce good parts in a variety of metals!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You Liqcreate!

[@0r1x]

This is amazingly informative, really good video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks for watching!

[@owenaero]

very nice and thorough job well done.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@justryingmybest]

I love this video. Informative, and about as consise as you can be when the video is has this much to cover. Well done.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@amandahugankiss4110]

you got a great voice and speech. very clear.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@Jeffis2k]

Love the ingenuity and thanks for sharing. This type of video is what makes KZbin special.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You very much! It really means a lot!

[@paulcohen1555]

Amazing and complete details. 👍

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@MikeyRoofffff]

Really awesome content, thanks for sharing all your hard work

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@marcoantoniovento6347]

Congratulations for such a didactic and concise video. I will try that process for sure and I am quite confident that I will succeed thanks to you!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@nothinghere1996]

wow. you are a real engineer. superb. thank you. 🙏

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@3dkiwi920]

Awesome work my man, very informative. Subscribed!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank you!

[@Luke-Barrett]

I had a heart attack at 40:13 when the spider came down.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

What about me? I was there 😂

[@carlosjoe5154]

Bro, your method is amazingly cheap, i will try it myself eventually! Thank you for Sharing! ❤❤❤

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@pauljoly7594]

It's awesome what you did, it ll have such a positive impact on the maker community.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You very much!

[@One_Stale_Donut]

This is absolutely insane, I love it

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@xoltri]

Amazing work on this project! There are so many new ideas here that you've presented that I'm going to need to sleep on it to process it all.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@0ii076]

You did an amazing job illustrating the answers to so many questions I have specifically had recently but haven't gotten around to researching. This was a treasure, thank you😁👍🏾👍🏾

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You very much!

[@TatermanNG]

THIS IS SO AWESOME! I wanna do this for my sculptures!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Cheers!

[@Christian-lh7ux]

Wow 🤯 That video is epic‼️ ❤❤❤THANK YOU SO MUCH❤❤❤ I want to make a kiln by myself and already viewed your old videos. Many questions I sill had were answered. Thank you so much, it will help me alot.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Awesome! Glad you found it useful!

[@alycapo3391]

Damn now I want to see the bottle slumping kilm! Amazing content! I've been edging around this subject but you have given me alot of confidence

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Cheers!

[@nickgenericusername]

This is all amazing and thank you for documenting it so well! All of these alternative solutions and the one that blew my mind the most is using the thermoplastic as a workpiece holder/clamp

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks Nick!

[@TheHadi545]

Very Inspirational man. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@Thomas_Deering_King]

I LOVE this video. I applaud your ingenuity, tenacity, and creativity! So many excellent, useful details. I have wanted to make a microwave kiln for so long! Now I can!! Thank you for all the hard work and time you poured into this project!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You very much Thomas! I appreciate that you took time to leave a comment.

[@Rigge1988]

Five years in the making and it's one of the best videos I've watched recently!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@GeoffTV2]

Excellent video, thank you so much for posting it. I had heard that silicon carbide absorbs microwaves and could therefore be used in metal casting but had not watched anything about how to make a kiln with it. The experience you show in this video is gold. Have a like and subscribe from me.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You very much.

[@quarter42coralli]

I just made a silicon carbide crucible using the glass method. I made my own waterglass using the kitty litter and lye method (there are tons of videos about that), mixed it with silicon carbide, and it made a solid crucible. The glass cracked as expected during the process. I cooked the crucible in the microwave for 10 min with kaowool surrounding it, and my hi temp thermometer registered over 1800 degrees F (and the kaowool was not very well wrapped)! I'm a believer! I can't wait to make the kiln and the vacuum system. I have a backyard foundry furnace that works well, but not for small parts. This is a game changer for smaller detailed castings.

[@andyh7537]

Fantastic video!!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank you very much!

[@5teFX]

Great video, invaluable information, thanks!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@kimfixesthings]

Very impressive works.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks!

[@kentswan3230]

Absolutely fascinating. I watche the entire thing and was really impressed that you developed methods to cast parts with sufficiently high detail and seemingly enough dimensional accuracy to use for castings that will then be used as initial castings for precision machined parts. Also that there is actually a burnout-compliant material for resin printers.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@knurd75]

Oh sh*t. Just found out, that I am already subscribed. What should I do now? Brilliant video. Such value. Such presentation. Thank you!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@czconnoisseur354]

Excellent video and thank you for your hard work! I've been working on improving the strength of the silicon carbide bonding using different refractory materials added to the mix. I'm having trouble with some of these mixtures arcing through and melting the ceramic fiber mat!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks! Good luck with troubleshooting the arcing issue. Microwave kilns/metal melting is definitely more challenging, and it can take some trial and error to find suitable materials.

[@AlwaysCensored-xp1be]

Nice to see the vacuum cleaner works well. And that brass can be cast.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Yes, indeed. Now I need to shoot the video by using Dyson.......when my lady is not home 😀

[@OhHeyTrevorFlowers]

Thanks!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You very much Trevor. Much appreciated!

[@JeremyDWilliamsOfficial]

This is great! Such a good idea and WOW, you really dedicated yourself to this project and video. Awesome job! Subbed and Liked :)

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You Jeremy!

[@ThoughtFission]

What a great video. Your neighbors must love you ;o) I think you must be the most patient man on the planet!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank you! Luckily, it's not as noticeable (smell-wise or noise-wise) for the neighbors to ring my door 😁

[@ThoughtFission]

@@ShakeTheFuture 🤣

[@OffGridOverLander]

I love the thumb screw idea! I love the ring, I’ve been toying with the idea of making rings, especially military themed stuff. Invisible ring 🤣 Love the video! Hope to see more from you.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@JosuRibeiro]

This video should have more views. I've dabble into metal casting using a gas furnace before and boy that was so fun. This seems like an easier, less noisy, and less dangerous way of doing the same thing.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You! I hope the video will reach more people.

[@zaine4374]

goddayum son, thats some innovative thinking

[@damienolive2185]

Smashed it bro.... I messaged you asking if you could give a detailed explanation to lost wax casting, "DIY/YOUR STYLE" . And you near dam broke the interest... Crazy informative, brilliant presentation mixed with a charismatic flow... Outdone yourself brother, well done... One of best ever DIY videos "PERIOD" 👏🏾❤💪🏾

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You for the kind words!

[@popcornshiner3937]

Excelent vidieo, very informative. I might just start up casting again. I got sick of the noise from gas burners, I think this method is for me. a little on the small side as volume of metal but I am going to give it a shot. cheers

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You very much!

[@GiolliJoker]

Awesome video!!! I wonder if this kiln design could be used to heat treat steel, although I guess it would require some sort of separate thermocouples to get reliable temperature readings. But if you managed to melt cast iron and stainless steel in it, the potential seems to be there.

[@jorgep.2033]

Very very nice research sir

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@jasonstokes5469]

Thank you much!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks for watching!

[@drewlarson65]

Thanks for this gift my friend! There's so much useful info packed into this video, I'm probably gonna watch it at least twice. Perhaps using the vacuum to pull boric acid/kiln wash into the ceramic fibers may prolong their life?

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks for watching Drew!

[@C-M-E]

Cheap, simple and effective, my core trio for a DIY project! Even better with reusing common items, another similar trait to my own methods. Sometimes you (not you directly, just 'you' as interchangeable term) end up with a roundabout way of getting what you want, but when you shop for supplies at the thrift store, I'm okay with that. 👍 When you decide to scale up your casting devices, might I recommend going straight to a discarded water boiler body, shaping your kanthal element with all thread screw, and spending some of that 'big toy' money on a programmable PID.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks. I bought a PID controller a few years ago for possible future projects. So far, I have not used it. Cheers!

[@user-rw3se4hx9n]

perfect video thx!))

[@CarterSchonwald]

Awesome engineering

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You!

[@stefanguiton]

Excellent

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Cheers!

[@lukearts2954]

About sanding inside the holes, I think it would be interesting to see you discover various methods. Perhaps you can try using the polishing abrasive of tumblers, but use it in an ultrasonic cleaner. Or just use rope of natural fibers. You'd be surprised how abrasive normal rope can be.

[@oldanomaly]

For using construction plaster, this came out great! The porosity can be caused by many things, but my guess is because you had had some sputtering and popping when you poured the metal, there may have been some resin left in the mold.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks! I actually think the sputtering was caused by too much heat or a reaction with plaster, but I might be wrong. Like you said, it could have been caused by many things. I have lots of learning to do. The reason I say this is because it's not the first time it has happened. I've done some lost PLA copper casting, and the same thing happened. Once I poured the copper cooler, it was not sputtering. The bad thing is there is no way for me to control the temperature of the metal. Sometimes, I wait for the metal to cool down, and it can cool down too much. I suppose I could get a better thermometer 🤔

[@mfeldheim]

Crazy results for just DIY tools. Thanks for sharing your process and findings. What I didn’t understand 100% was how the vacuum works. Why doesn’t it suck the molten metal all the way into the vacuum cleaner?

[@BlackDidThis]

I loved the many little easter eggs throughout... But it is the toilet brush in the fridge that I still can't get over :) Once again: FANTASTIC video. Very in depth and efficient. I would love to give the tips a try some time and see how replicating would develop on my side of the table. One question though... Does how course/fine the sand (that you add into the dental plaster) matter?

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks! I use fine sand (0.1 - 0.6mm). My understanding is that fine grit sand is better for capturing detail, but coarse grit sand might produce stronger molds as well as make the mold more porous, which can be beneficial for burnout, gases, and vacuum. I am not a metal casting expert, so take it with a grain of salt 😆. What I can definitely confirm is that sand will make the molds stronger. Another thing to keep in mind is that not all "Plaster of Paris" brands are the same. I used to buy one brand of dental Plaster of Paris from a dental store, but then I noticed that there was an option to buy it without the bucket, only in a bag which is cheaper. So, I did. When it arrived, I noticed that it was made by a different company. Long story short, the molds were flaking during the burnout. It looked like there was paint peeling off the mold. So yeah, Plaster of Paris brands matter 😀

[@FullSpeed_only]

Have been waiting for the Sequel. Thank you very much. - In my Experience the Alkaline Silicate Solutions (Li, Na, K) bubble up when heated before it could dry completely. I guess it needs to dry and then has to be gently heated to remove the Water that is chemically bound. - The hardened Rings can be wetted before scraping to avoid the Dust in the Air. - Wetting the Fibre Wool on the Outside with Waterglass can replace the Capton. There the bubbling can even be positive. After the first Layer it won’t soak much in but stabilize the fragile Bubbles.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Great info! Thank You!

[@FullSpeed_only]

@@ShakeTheFutureSorry, I missed the Part where you discuss the Waterglass on the Outside. Investigating what created the Hotspot would be interesting. I’m using bought Potassium Silicate Solution for my Experiments, but I’m yet to build a Microwave Kiln. If it can happen with pretty pure Solutions something is strange. [The Boron Compounds are considered to be Teratogens by the Way.]

[@PaulMcElroyWasHere]

In your next video please describe the temperatures you can get metal and describe the temperatures you need in order to melt various metals like copper etc. Please talk about all the metals you have successfully melted. My friend is dubious that you can melt stainless steel, for example. Great series, please do many more! I've never seen anything like this before!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You very much! That means a lot to me. It's actually a great idea for the video. Cheers!

[@alant779]

Man sacrifices all his hair for this video. Kidding aside, I had to pause the video more than a few times to takes notes because I didn't want to forget your clever tips and tricks. Thanks for sharing.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Well, funny enough, you're right. I still had some hair when I first started this video. I don't think it's the kilns causing the hair-thinning, but yeah... 😁

[@nikthefix8918]

Really glad I found this video. Awesome work! The prostate exam joke made me spit my coffee all over this laptop! Can you dry clean a laptop? Given that a microwave oven is designed to excite resonant H2O bonds, how does this work in the absence of water? It clearly does work but If anyone can chime in with a detailed explanation then that would be very interesting. I would guess it's Mr Eddie Current making an appearance.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

I think you're the first one mentioning the prostate exam joke. Glad you found it funny 😀 I spoke about it a bit more in the microwave metal melting video. Silicon carbide absorbs microwaves thus heating up. Cheers!

[@hakajiru264]

Thank you for openly sharing your knowledge! Have you tried searching/using industrial graphite rings for billet moulds? Would shorten the build process quite a bit if they are available and reasonably cheap.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank You! I have only made my own rings/crucibles. I tried to use a bought graphite crucible, but it did not heat up. I also received some feedback from the viewers who bought silicon carbide crucibles, but they did not heat up. Cheers!

[@emailformosa]

*_Dude…_*_ this is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen!_ This was a real joy to watch. This process is so detailed and refined, and well explained. I really appreciate you putting this out. _This is _*_incredible._* _(New Subscriber)_

[@joshsayler7110]

Amazing video on hobby starting in metal casting. @33:00 you're talking about timing switch, instead many microwaves have a 'Power Level' function which serves the same duty cycle 10% 'Power' is microwave on 1 minute, off ~5 minutes. Though at the end of the video you show that your microwave has only 35 min maximum timer.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks for the comment! I don't quite understand how you would change those power levels automatically. Sometimes, I do adjust the power of the microwave at the beginning of the burnout or at the end. Instead of running my microwave at 900w, I do it at 700w and then turn up the power later in the burnout process. I realized that there might be some confusion about the way the timer works. The 35-minute timer only 'runs out' or the rotary dial moves when the microwave is ON. It's not one of those timers that makes a clicking noise and keeps running even if the microwave is turned off. The 35-minute timer gives me approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes of burnout by using a 1/6 interval cycle. Because the microwave will turn ON for 1 minute and stay OFF for 6. Cheers!

[@mattharvey8712]

Bravo.......wax........molds neededs to be hot .....little under pour temp.... .cheers .......induction furnace..... for metals.....

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Cheers!

[@MikeG-js1jt]

I'm kind of floored that you would have that contraption running while your still asleep!

[@ShakeTheFuture]

I would not do it if it was not safe (in my case). There are layer upon layers of safety. I did not even cover them all in the video. Cheers!

[@samposey522]

To clean the tiny holes, try using an air powered spark plug cleaner. It's like a small canvas bag that holds blasting media (sand) and the air blows it around inside and out. You can rough polish it that way too with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as well.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Awesome! I never heard about it. That tool indeed looks handy. I always wanted a sand blaster cabinet, but I live in an apartment, so there is no space for it. Thanks!

[@RupertBruce]

For the burnt 'Captain' tape, Apply the initial binding tape with a gap and a sacrificial band that you can blowtorch to char, remove, replace

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thanks for the tip Rupert!

[@_c_y_p_3]

Dude your balcony is identical to the place I used to live in Sweden.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

That's interesting! I'm in Spain, but it's cool that my balcony reminds you of your place in Sweden.

[@robertkeyes258]

This is a great video, the amount of time you've put into your experiments has really paid off. I have 4 microwave ovens, all digital. It's difficult to find an analog one. So, I have though of bypassing the digital 'brain' and adding my own microcontroller to it. Then I got grander ideas - why not just build my own microwave? I have some sheet metal, I just need to figure out what else is required and also to have a leak detector, which I should be able to do with a small RTLSDR (USB TV dongle). I'd also like to integrate a camera and laser thermometer for the interior, and perhaps a smoke detector, and have these output to my microcontroller, so I can record and even respond to events. But first, I need to become quite experienced at microwave casting itself. I have perhaps an advantage over you, of having a garage to do this in, as well as a detached barn (but I have to run electricity to the barn), as well as almost a hectare of land. But I also have a disadvantage as well, because I live in a cold climate, so working with ventilation in winter is quote uncomfortable.

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Thank you! I have done it. Bypassed the digital board, but the way I did it was not very safe, and there was no way to adjust the power settings. I bet some "corner" microwave repair shops could convert digital microwaves to analog. (business idea for repair shops in case this thing takes off 😀). I assume you live in the US. In the EU, we have both types of microwaves. They still make new analog microwaves, but there are not many big microwaves that are also analog. Cheers!

[@russellauger5067]

The Blackbox Microwave Kiln uses an air cooled magnetron and is a standard format, computer controlled unit. In the states we cannot sell such a kiln without FDA approval and our units. They must be manufactured in an inspected within the manufacturing setting, in a facility and cannot leak microwaves. Even LG, GE, Samsung and other microwaves leak. I suggest a microwave detector to verify any industrial, commercial or household units. In your current format the sideways orientation may cause the top ring to heat first and, i suspect,, will always ground first, with the microwave guide being centered. It is surprising that your magnetron is still working after a few uses, however you must have access to a better supply of magnetrons.

[@maxschmitt4746]

Finally ❤

[@ShakeTheFuture]

Yes, indeed. Finally