Water Casting Copper Ingots, Shibuichi and Mini Copper Ingots

This week continues the Water Casting experiments with Copper and Shibuichi. Don't forget to like and subscribe. New video every week.
I made some modifications to last weeks setup.
With some great results this time.
I have also purchased a tripod, some lights and have ditched the annoying scrolling text. I hope the video quality is improved.
All pouring segments are un-edited, without music and shown in real-time. Note: These sequences are 2-3 minutes each. Background music in between, hope you enjoy.
Molten metal can be dangerous, take appropriate precautions.
Music Credits:
Hoedown by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/
Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/
Open Road by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/
Boxcar Rag by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/
Travel Light by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/
Cheers

[@derw3676]

Great video. Thanks.

[@MeltandCast]

Thank you 😁

[@gamemeister27]

Is that an honest to God inch ruler? You absolute mad lad! Don't let the queen hear about it

[@Nitro-er8ul]

Brian CP gg

[@Scrap5000]

That color change is amazing!

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Scrap 😎😎😎

[@ThePEI]

first time watching water pouring that was not intended to pellet the metal for chemical dissolving Thank you.. nice to see may look into trying this myself

[@ChatterontheWire]

Nice these turned out nicer than the last batch. Using the right material and all and remembering to drive out the air bubbles.

[@MeltandCast]

Yeah denim was the charm, that first lot of material was way too thin. You can soak denim as well to get rid of all the trapped air. I will make more of these soon with some different metals, just to see what happens. Cheers Andy 😃👍👍🍺

[@ZoruaZorroark]

legend says that to this day, the steam jacket has yet to collapse

[@MeltandCast]

Yeah it takes a while, just wanted to show it in real time... It was one of my first melting videos... Cheers 🍺🍺🍺

[@24KProspecting]

water casting is really neat!! great job man!

[@MeltandCast]

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it... Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@awldune]

Amazing video! I really like the smooth organic shape of these ingots, they look like the shell of a sea turtle or crab.

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Awldune, yeah they look funky my favourite is the Shibuichi one. It's still a lovely aubergine colour.... Cheers Andy 🥂🥂🥂

[@TalRohan]

thats amazing, I presume its the crystallization process as the metals cool that alter the colour , thanks very much for sharing, absolutely fascinating video.

[@cr62silvermore60]

Cool !!! Great job buddy 👍👍👍

[@lawrenwimberly7311]

adding Jet dry and salt to the water will help knock down the steam jacket and promote faster cooling... old blacksmith trick

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Lawren... Interesting, I didn't know that.... Would that be a good thing for this do you think ? This process is supposed to produce an annealed ingot.... speeding up the process may not be beneficial in this case. I wouldn't know for sure, water casting is still very new to me, I've only done it a few times. Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@lawrenwimberly7311]

It wont speed up the cooling That much, but as you are using the steam jacket to keep it molten longer, I dunno if it will give you the results you want... it was just a tip I wanted to give you regarding surfactants and steam jackets... in the case of the blacksmith, it is used to get more hardness from steels with lesser carbon by speeding up the quench. It has the added effect of giving a more homogeneous quench, as the water actually makes contact with the metal without the steam Jacket. Non ferrous metals may actually be SOFTER with a faster quench, as it allows less time for crystallization

[@matteliano454]

Old blacksmiths had Jet Dry?

[@lawrenwimberly7311]

@@matteliano454 this "OLD" blacksmith does... use of surfactants of one sort or another is documented as far back as the Roman occupation of central Europe

[@jamieclark7221]

That's a amazing I will have to try it. Thanks Bro.

[@MeltandCast]

Research it well before trying, it can be quite dangerous... I accept no liability. Cheers 🍺🍺🍺

[@cabbagesoup7879]

Look like little turtle shells. Very cool

[@Erikreaver]

Don't know why youtube shown me this several months old video, but I'm glad that it did. The water-cast ingots are beautiful, and the process is fascinating. I bet they feel right nice in the hand, especially the shibuichi. It looks so smooth! And they look like it'd be fun to beat a small cauldron or a pan out of those! And the 5oz ingots look like they would be right easy to make into large knife or some sword guards and pommels. Really liking your channel. :)

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Erik, really kind of you to say so mate, glad you enjoyed it. Give away video out in a couple of hours time.... keep an eye out !!! Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@Erikreaver]

@@MeltandCast Oh snap! I hope I'll be awake by then 10pm here! Got a bowstring to make still, so maybe I'll be around. Thanks for the headsup!

[@DAYBROK3]

that it made a solid chunk and not splatter is amazing.

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Daybrok, it's because the water is around 90C, when the metal hits the water a steam jacket is formed around the ingot which prevents the water from touching the metal. Eventually this steam jacket breaks down and all the energy is released at once into the water which causes it to boil. This produces an annealed ingot ready for forging. It's a centuries old technique used by Japanese blade smiths, which I find very interesting. It's not without its dangers though, so prior research should be done and risks weighed up before attempting such a thing. Anyone trying this does so at their own risk. Cheers Andy 🥂🥂🥂

[@ferret150]

@@MeltandCast what would you use this alloy for?

[@MeltandCast]

It's proper use is above, for me I just wanted a few coloured ingots for my shelf. The blade smiths used to use them to make the Tsuba (handguard). It was also sometimes made from Shibuichi (copper/silver) and Shakudo (copper/gold). Once forged a patina (Rokusho) would usually be applied to bring out the colours. Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@OuroborosArmory]

MeltandCast do you have some books to look for as for where you learned it? I would be really interested in trying it, and forging the end result

[@ejensen99999]

The whole point of water casting is to prevent oxidation. By lifting the ingot before it is properly cool you contaminate the surface. That’s why you get different colors. The color change steam blasts some of that off, Hanse the change but not the heavy scale you introduce.

[@MeltandCast]

The oxidation layer is easily wire brushed off, but I like the variation of colours. These ingots just sit on my shelf as part of my collection. Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@randomsucks2444]

That is just cool!

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Edward 😎

[@martineastburn3679]

Metal in water the second time started with very hot water. Refresh between batches. Cools better and keeps cotton.

[@MeltandCast]

Cheers Martin... The water is supposed to be hot - it must be between 80C and 90C for this type of casting.... Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@ronin2963]

It would be nice if you gave us some comments during the smelting I don’t understand what you are doing and why?

[@MeltandCast]

Sorry Ronin, it was a very early video and at the time I was too shy to talk in the videos. It's a Japanese method of casting into near boiling water to produce an annealed ingot ready for forging. The old bladesmiths used this method to create the Tsuba (handguard) for their swords. I wouldn't advise copying this method though it can be quite dangerous. Cheers Andy 🥂😎

[@masterdraw10]

Thanks! That was very helpful to see. Taking the copper out before it changes colour, affects the final result

[@MeltandCast]

If your interested in this type of casting it's worth checking out Ford Hallams metalworking channel, he's the real expert at this... I was just having a go... Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@masterdraw10]

@@MeltandCast Thanks buddy!

[@jasonwilliam2125]

That 5% silver makes such a huge difference to the end product. A++++++++ Video.\ Subbed:)

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks for the sub Jason, glad you enjoyed it mate. Yes the third ingot was my favourite, lovely aubergine colour... Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@knickersinatwistuk7361]

I like the way the bubbles go anticlockwise

[@MeltandCast]

So they do, Doof !! I had to watch this again, I never noticed that before, how strange !!! Now I need someone to try this in Australia to see if they go clockwise !!! Cheers mate Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@knickersinatwistuk7361]

Why don't you pm bigstackD .. he lives in OZ .. Mat be he can help you out

[@MeltandCast]

Water casting can be quite dangerous, I wouldn't ask anyone else to try it... Not unless they really wanted to... It's quite a high risk exercise !! Cheers Andy 👍👍👍

[@willardnieman9269]

I suggest you invest in a pair of spats. If or when you have a spill and it splashes on your shoe laces you will not be setting the crucible down easy. They will be some cheap insurance against a hot foot.

[@MeltandCast]

Good advice Willard, thanks, i'll either get spats or slip on boots... Cheers Andy 🥂

[@lynnchandler3116]

great video!!!

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Lynn 🥂🥂🥂

[@markpinther9296]

In my humble opinion, you may want to consider using footwear that would protect you in the event of a molten metal spill. What you have on in this video would become part of your skin in a second.

[@howardosborne8647]

Agree with you,Mark. I was thinking very much the same thing.

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Mark, yeah I always wear toe tectors now, I learnt my lesson on that one with the brass mask cannon video where I blew molten metal all over my hand - luckily I had gloves on !!! Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@buckwildebeest398]

very nice

[@randomsucks2444]

I could hear you breathing! Interesting. I got a cool idea from it though. Thanks

[@MeltandCast]

Darth Vader strikes again !!! haha 🥂😎

[@dwolfe2907]

Dang that copper looks like pure gold :P

[@MeltandCast]

Cheers Wolfe, aye it looks nice eh 😎🍺

[@caseywood9781]

Has anyone warned you about the dangers of using pliers instead of tongs to hold your fiery hot crucible that's filled with molten metal?

[@ChatterontheWire]

How deep is the color change on those anyway, I assume just a surface finish so you can't polish them up much?

[@MeltandCast]

It's thick enough that it doesn't rub off easily with your fingers, but I think a wire brush would take it off completely... The first ingot did have a nice deep orange colour and wire brushing removed it back to bare metal. Shibuichi is supposed to patina well, it's probably worth doing on the higher silver content ingots. Cheers 😃👍👍🍺

[@micksimbad3745]

I love to see the experimenting to see different effects, I wonder if mixing anything in with the water would cause another color change. I've subscribed and it looks like I have some catching up to do.

[@Elric509]

I wonder if adding a *little* bit of sulfuric acid would cause a blue patina to form

[@Rob337_aka_CancelProof]

Or maybe some rusty water with an abundance of iron oxide

[@Thewulf56]

That color change was awesome. Were all the batches mixed with silver, or just the last one? Was looking like aluminum bronze on the buffed pieces. Haha on the mini ingots, I got the same ones and had the same reaction, they took the pics up close to make them look bigger.

[@MeltandCast]

This first three were all the same copper with no silver added. The last one was a re-melt of a 5% silver 95% copper ingot. At 5% it's just about 'Shibuichi' but a true Shibuichi would have a minimum of 25% silver content or more. And yeah those ingot molds fooled me too, almost impossible to pour into. Probably better suited to those small hand crucibles than an A6 !! Cheers 🍺👍👍👍

[@apo1915]

good job bro. what is the purpose of mixing silver with copper?. I am assuming the water is hot before your first casting. is that right?..

[@MeltandCast]

Silver and copper mixed is called Shibuichi. Shibuichi means 'one fourth' meaning 1 part silver to 3 parts copper (25/75%). This Shibuichi wasn't a true Shibuichi as the silver content was only 5% but it is the lowest silver content you can use and still class it as a Shibuichi, loosely speaking. The water was at around 90C just below boiling. Cheers Andy 🍺🥂

[@demoman]

Do you put anything like BORAX in when melting copper? If so, do you add it when the copper goes in prior to melting? Just starting out and have a bunch of copper powder im looking to melt. Im not sure how to deal with slag.

[@MeltandCast]

Cheers Demo. Sorry for the late reply... If I'm melting fairly clean copper I rarely use flux as often the negative effects are fairly minimal for what I do. The flux I do use is a commercially bought flux specifically for copper but Borax works just as well. All your looking to do is cover the metal to prevent gas uptake into the metal whilst melting. Any impurities would usually float to the top by themselves and can be skimmed off before pouring even without a flux. Copper is very dense so its unlikely many impurities would actually end up in the molten metal. For brass though you'd be better off using a flux as you often get quite a bit of junk floating on top, using a flux would help. If you're just starting out I wouldn't worry about it too much unless you find you have a specific problem that needs fixing. Most of my castings have been done without any fluxes at all. Hope that helps. Cheers Andy 😎👍

[@ethanhauff8185]

the music choice is epic. you should go into asmr lol

[@MeltandCast]

Cheers Ethan, that ASMR stuff seems to be everywhere these days.... maybe when I get a proper camera setup with a decent mic I might experiment with that. Cheers Andy 🍺

[@dt9094]

What’s happens if you were to roll the dark one out?

[@BIGWIGGLE223]

That is flipping wild!!!! I've never seen this type of ingot casting before!!! Man that changes color quick! Has it got something to do with the air and heat causing oxidization??

[@MeltandCast]

I know, it's crazy... changes colour in about a 10th of a second... I still have the ingot, its a lovely aubergine colour. I'll have to revisit this sometime... it is a fun process. If memory serves me correctly, I think that one had 5% silver added to it. Apparently the Japanese sword smiths used this method to create an annealed ingot which was the starting point when forging the Tsuba (handguard). The oxide layer though is only surface deep, it would come off with a wire brush. I think one of the properties of copper is that it changes colour due to heat and interrupting that process in a certain way can cause the colour to remain. I managed to get a salmon coloured ingot and a red ingot while doing this. Interesting exercise for sure... Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@BIGWIGGLE223]

@@MeltandCast I love being amazed. And the moment that steam jacket collapses and you witness the metal change color that fast is the most amazing thing I've seen in a few years. It's like magic. David Blaine ain't got nothing on you brother!!

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Wiggle, that's really kind of you... really appreciate it mate 😎😎😎

[@anthonymcgrath2223]

Would have loved to have seen the Shibuichi polished up.

[@MeltandCast]

Underneath it probably would have been a salmon colour, but I like the purple oxidation layer. I have an ugly chunk of 75% copper 25% silver to remelt at some point, that will get polished up and should look quite nice... but that's another video, just need to think of something to make !! Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@anthonymcgrath2223]

@@MeltandCast Will love to see that. So many things you could make. I look forward to seeing what you decide to do.

[@MeltandCast]

Trying to think of something decent as it had a lot of silver in it...

[@kingneutron1]

@@MeltandCast Dress those up a little bit, and they could be "alien currency" in Star Trek ;-)

[@LUTHERJ304]

Looked like a lemon shape. First pour in water

[@MeltandCast]

I think this was my first water casting attempt... wasn't sure what to expect if I'm honest hehe 🍺

[@LUTHERJ304]

@@MeltandCast yes it was. I love the redness color in the others. I bet it has different temper strengths.

[@BlunderMunchkin]

Is this safe in general, or only with specific types of metals? Will some metals cause steam explosions or other hazards?

[@MeltandCast]

There's always an element of danger with this type of casting. Water and molten metal don't usually go well together. Steam explosions are possible. It's a method usually reserved for copper, copper silver and copper gold alloys and the water must be very hot. Anyone trying this does so at their own risk, I accept no liability. That should give you an idea. Having said that it's a technique that's been used for centuries by Japanese blade smiths. I'd research the topic thoroughly before trying it and decide whether or not it's worth the risk. Cheers Andy 😎😎😎

[@patricke0n]

Guy, the faster a metal sheds heat the greater chance for an explosive steam bubble, and that has been known to send hot metal at the Smith as well. Aluminum is pretty much a no no. This is an old technique but it's always been a terribly flawed one for any semblance of safety.

[@MeltandCast]

And there I was trying to water cast aluminium.... Guess I got off lightly !!! 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@patricke0n]

@@MeltandCast if you are pouring at the right temperature, the right speed of release, angle, and distance from the water, then you will be fine. And that's why I don't like water, totally doable, but so many focus points in that pour, too many for me. Newer and easier methods exist for a reason, that said , I appreciate the history and techniques.

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Patrick 🥂🥂🥂

[@garythompson766]

Do you think the dye from the denim in the repeated castings could have influenced some of the color changes so the oxidation of the outside of the ingots becomes more pronounced the more castings you do without changing the water? It would be interesting to test with a bleached denim and no dye in the water as opposed to the method you were using. It would be interesting to know if the dye influences the amount of oxidation you get when exposing the ingot to air.

[@MeltandCast]

Not sure Gary, If I was to hazard a guess I would say its more likely down to the timing and duration of air exposure that causes the colour change. Pulling the ingot earlier or later when it's hotter or cooler will probably affect it as much as the amount of time it's exposed to the air. Usually you'd only expose the metal for a second or two. Due to the dangers of water casting though it's not something I'd like to experiment with too much... I don't recommend anyone else try it either, too many things can go wrong !! Cheers Andy 🍺👍

[@Falkwin]

Did you tried to shake it under the water after you exposed it to air? This way the copper will cool much faster. Maybe it will change something.

[@nhengineer1943]

Why do you water cool the copper ingots? Does it change the molecular structure?

[@MeltandCast]

I don't know about the molecular structure, but casting into near boiling water produces an annealed ingot ready for forging. I just did it for fun though... It can be quite dangerous though so I wouldn't advise repeating it !!! Cheers Andy 🥂

[@jakebeard4499]

nice

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Jake 😎😎😎

[@coldinthehead]

Wath are you going to yuse it for?

[@natertater4024]

Almost could make metal clam shells man.

[@MeltandCast]

Cheers Nater, yeah they look kinda funky, my favourite is the last one... Cheers 😎😎😎

[@user-sj9cl9bp3d]

ممكن تقلي الماء الذي يغلي ايش فيبه من احماض

[@mcorrade]

that's amazing how long the steam jacket remains. I wonder how that would work in oil? Besides the fire of death that is :)

[@MeltandCast]

Yeah it's a clever process to produce an annealed ingot... not sure how it would work in oil.... not something I want to try in my wooden barn though !!! haha 😜😜😜

[@mumblbeebee6546]

MeltandCast As long as you purge the barn of oxygen first 😂

[@OuroborosArmory]

MeltandCast it’s not bad, but the trick is you put it in the oil and don’t take it out again till it’s cool it’s the people who take it out while red hot, that get he fireball.

[@mcorrade]

@@OuroborosArmory Makes sense

[@danieldwyer]

Are you using some eye protection? The visible light coming out of the forge especially when you first open the lid seems intense. Heat transfers into visible light by the principle of blackbody radiation. The hotter the "blackbody," the more intense and damaging the light.

[@danieldwyer]

Just to be clear, if you are seeing "sun spots" after you remove the crucible from the forge, you should at a minimum be wearing dark UV protective sunglasses. Damage to the rods and cones of your eye never "heals."

[@Rob337_aka_CancelProof]

I thought double dipping was frowned on LOL (9 min)

[@kraken3793]

could someone please tell me the name of the tool in the top left on the floor at 18:50, i need one just like it

[@MeltandCast]

The pouring shank ? Or do you mean me haha ? If you are in the UK I can give you the name of a company who makes them. I bought one, now I just get my truck engineer to make them for me based off the same design when i need a different size. Cheers Andy 🥂👍🍺

[@sifudank]

What was the purpose?

[@akansara3881]

How to purchase tamprature measurement bronze melting tamprature

[@MeltandCast]

The temperature gun I use is a Testo 835 T2 thermometer, it is designed for molten metal and reads up to 1500℃. They are very expensive and can be found online. A cheaper option would be to use a thermocouple and meter. Some people would argue that this is a more reliable and better option as the Testo thermometer I use only reads surface temperatures. Cheers Andy 👍😎🥂

[@curtisbarkes6271]

Why did you tap the side of the pot with the pliers while the ingot was cooling? Cool video, would like to have seen the silver one polished up a bit...

[@MeltandCast]

Cheers Curtis, tapping the side of the pot helps release any trapped oxygen while the metal is still molten. The layer of purple colouring on the silver ingot is only surface deep. Polishing it up would have removed all the purple colouring from the oxide layer, I wanted to try and keep that intact. I polished the first one as it had some really nice lines in it from the cloth, like little snaky streams... Cheers Andy 🥂

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Assassin, yeah will do... I keep a large bowl of water on the floor for that reason so I can dunk my whole boot in... just in case !!! Cheers Andy 🥂

[@anthonyairey8029]

Is the incorrect instrument for doing such a thing they have tongs for The Crucible to poor

[@syahrilariel235]

Termah kasi ilmunya mister

[@MeltandCast]

Sama-sama :)

[@akansara3881]

What is the benefit of casting in hot water?

[@MeltandCast]

Hi Kansara, water casting copper is a very old Japanese method of making an annealed ingot which is the starting point for making the Tsuba (handguard) for Japanese swords. When the metal is poured into hot water a layer of steam forms around the ingot preventing the water from touching the metal and allows for slow cooling. Tapping the side of the pot helps to release oxygen trapped in the metal. Water cast ingots can be cast from copper, copper/silver (Shibuichi) or copper/gold (Shakudo) and other similar alloys. Once the Tsuba has been worked it would undergo a patination process called the Niiro process which involves boiling the metal in a compound called Rokusho which gives the various dark colours often associated with this type of metal. If you look up "Tsuba" on Google images you can see how the shape of these ingots form the typical Tsuba design. There are many images where you can see the various stages of work from simple to complex designs. You should be able to see how the ingots are worked from those images. Hope this helps, Cheers Andy 👍😎🥂

[@jetman1963]

you need a proper pouring tool mate. what if that crucible cracks while you have it in pliers ?

[@MeltandCast]

I don't have one for that crucible, I rarely use it except for copper and silver mixes. I'm very careful though and I do wear molten metal resistant clothing... Still, I hear what you say... Cheers Andy 🥂😎

[@patthemad1182]

what exactly are you doing there?

[@MeltandCast]

Making ingots !! It's an old Japanese method of making annealed ingots for forging Tsuba's that the bladesmiths used. I just thought I'd have a go for a bit of fun. Cheers 🍺🍺🍺

[@WalkerKlondyke]

Do you understand the concept behind slide lock pliers?

[@MeltandCast]

Yeah... they're that go to tool you use when you can't find the right tool for the job....

[@xxxxCronoxxxx]

why doesn't the water boil more violently?

[@Brando_85]

Why does he tap on the pot?

[@MeltandCast]

I think it's supposed to help release any trapped oxygen... I'm no expert though... I doubt you need to tap it as much as I did. Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@borisbrkic3433]

You are playing russian roulette here, it is only a question of time when one of your pores will result in an explosion. Dont just blindly do stuff you see on the internet, many people die every year from steam explosions in factories by pouring molten metal into sand that is humid, this is even worse than humid sand. It is not a question if it will happen but when.

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks for the heads up Boris, I think it might be wise if I amend the titles slightly... wouldn't want anyone doing themselves a mischief !!! Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@2009landscape]

He has heat on that pot of water was sitting u cld see the steaming. That’s why it didn’t explode.. If the water was cold then yea ur right.

[@paulosullivan3472]

This is true but the reactivity of the metal and the temperature of the water plays a factor too. Doing this with aluminium for instance would be akin to playing russian roulette. Copper is not so bad though if the water is hot enough before the pour.

[@njrasmussen5515]

Very interesting copper pancakes why doesn't the denim burn even in the water is still going to be an extreme amount of heat that's very interesting

[@MeltandCast]

The first time I did it I used a much thinner cloth and got an steam bubble trapped underneath, that one burnt through. The ingot creates a layer of steam around it which prevents the water from touching the ingot, so long as the ingot is surrounded by the hot water it won't burn through. Not sure what would happen if the water was cold... I wouldn't advise trying it though. This method of casting isn't 100% safe by any means. Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@hendonburgism]

I tried this with pure copper and Sn bronze on a much smaller scale with a bucket of linseed oil instead of water. It turned out so much better, however I still would not recommend it to anyone. If you must cast pure copper, build a solid fuel furnace or cupola so that the molten copper can be tapped from the bottom and immediately poured into a sand mold.

[@sjagain]

Why wouldn't you recommend doing it?

[@l1zrdking]

The first one kinda looked like bread when you took it out. Mmm bread.

[@kam70111]

If it comes off with wire-brushing, Japanese cannot be interested in turtle shells? Are they heating their handcrafted pieces then dipping them?

[@MeltandCast]

Yes Khan the colour is only surface deep, but it looks cool... I thought this process produced a clean annealed ingot which was then ready for further forging by sword smiths to make the Tsuba. Not usually in quantities as high as this, granted. But I did enjoy making them though... Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@archangel20031]

Why is he bothering to hit the pan with the water in it?

[@bandit911]

I'm guessing to release any bubbles of steam traped under the copper or denim cloth? But just a guess

[@steriosystem87]

Could you do it with boiling water?

[@MeltandCast]

The water has to be hot, around 80-90℃, it doesn't work otherwise... And it can be dangerous, so I'd do a lot of research before even thinking about attempting it... Seriously.... I accept no liability... Cheers Andy 🥂👍😎

[@coreyg7364]

the only reason i played this video was to see the molten metal go in to the water...

[@mindofmadness5593]

Not really sure what the point in the Pucks is. Comes out prettier than ingots but stackability and future meltability due to Crucible size seems questionable. I did try pouring Copper into water to form pellets but my success was sub-par-perhaps heating the water would have helped. As far as "Don't use this Tool"? Hey-it's my favorite one! :D

[@MeltandCast]

Just experimenting for fun Mark. Ingots form part of my collection and won't get re-melted. If you want to make pellet pour high and with a thin a stream as possible. A layer of ice helps or an ice cylinder to bounce the metal off if you want it a bit more flaky. Using near boiling water with this method anneals the ingot as is cools. It's how the Japanese blade smiths formed the basis of the Tsuba before working it. Albeit with a smaller piece, alloys of copper, copper/silver and copper/gold were used traditionally I think. Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@mindofmadness5593]

@@MeltandCast Ice? GENIOUS! Well, I'm short so...guess I could stand on the Deck to pour. My biggest issue is not being able to drive due to vision-just under the safe level here but functionally fine so getting out to get Copper is a problem.

[@jamieclark7221]

What are you attempting to accomplish doing this? Are you making some kind of art ?

[@MeltandCast]

Just experimenting, it was something I wanted to try. It's an old Japanese method of making annealed ingots for forging Tsuba's on blades. Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@LUTHERJ304]

Bet you would know it if you dropped the container of molten copper in there. Boom!!! bang. !!!! Like comic books

[@MeltandCast]

Haha yeah it's a possibility Luther... but then crossing the road isn't without it's dangers either... It's the nature of the beast !! 🥂😎👍

[@gmanjeep1]

Kind of look like turtle shells

[@dankster990]

Try mixing molten metal with molten glass

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Kari, Now that's an interesting subject... I'd love to try that but I think I may need a kiln first due to the long annealing times... Cheers Andy 🥂

[@dankster990]

@@MeltandCast yes😎 i tried search if somebody try that and i didnt find anybody that has try that

[@MrSwissfrank]

Kari Tammi hi there! Greetings from Switzerland :-) Well I’ve tried that just a few days ago but very small scale. I’m starting a new hobby... jewelry. Was in the process of testing a few different micro kilns I’ve put together. There was a small piece of scrap copper and a bit of scrap from a glass-blowing project... to my surprise it all melted pretty quickly with a simple propane torch in my prototype insulated / refractory receptacle. Seeing it wasn’t officially some kind of study one the fusion of these two, I left them there to cool and forgot about them until the next morning. Again quite surprised that I wasn’t able to separate them, so well had they bonded :-)

[@dankster990]

@@MrSwissfrank thats must be cool i would like to see how that looks

[@natertater4024]

Or turtle shells

[@caseywood9781]

This would've been better if I didn't have to Google everything. Still not sure what a steam jacket is

[@kanmeridoc1784]

A jacket of steam around the molten metal. I'll butcher the spelling im sure, but it's the leidenfrost effect. It's the reason blademakers swish the blade around in the water instead of just letting it sit. The steam jacket can cause uneven cooling.

[@caseywood9781]

What a truly fascinating science. So much I don't understand. Thank you for teaching me 😊

[@kanmeridoc1784]

@@caseywood9781 no problem. Just remember to be safe if you get into/are currently melting metals. As was said by others, molten metal and water rarely mix well. Aluminum for instance can explode violently.

[@caseywood9781]

If I were younger perhaps. I'm a professional wood worker. For now, I'll just watch the masters, like yourself, on KZbin

[@kanmeridoc1784]

@@caseywood9781 oh im no master lol. I might could be on one thing if I'd stop looking into others. If I can manage to remember it all, I've got a lot more knowledge than experience. Plan to change that in the next few years though. However, casting could be a great skill to use along side woodworking. You could cast your own hinges and latches, as well as making ornate decorations from things that look just like bronze. If you're any good at carving wood, wax should be just as easy. From there you just use lost wax casting. And a bronze like metal can be made with pennies. Take care not to get that too hot though. Zinc fumes are nasty. You could also melt copper into aluminum if you wanted a safer route. Though, as a professional, your time might be well worth buying the items instead.

[@Bluebark64FIS]

I like turtles...

[@mezroth]

Why???

[@MeltandCast]

Why not ??? 😎😎😎

[@watchingyou5003]

Why are you doing this???????? You have ingot moulds????

[@MeltandCast]

It's a Japanese method of water casting into near boiling water to produce an annealed ingot for forging. I just fancied trying it, plus I love the colour of the oxide layer that forms. Cheers 😎

[@watchingyou5003]

Excellent answer. Thank you!!!

[@jtsimmons3133]

The channel locks make me nervous. It's not hard ot make a safer pouring shank that retains the crucible when pouring. Also, a pair of welder's spats would greatly increase the likelihood of your safety in the event of a spill or splatter. Hot metal in your shoe is not fun. Otherwise, an informative video. Well done.

[@zaulism]

music is a bit loud

[@oceanhouse8080]

I have seen some huge steam explosions with copper hydro pours.....

[@MeltandCast]

Thanks Ocean. I've read about a few... It's definitely not a method of melting to be taken lightly, thanks for pointing it out. I'd be interested to know more details, it would also be interesting to know if the risks can be mitigated to prevent such a thing. Although from what I've read it's just luck of the draw and can just happen randomly. I read about 1 guy who had 4 explosions out of 80 pours and with no idea what caused it... kinda makes me reluctant to pursue this topic further even though I really enjoy the whole process... The speed at which the colour changed on the final ingot really blew me away. I guess the way to go is to keep the amount of metal used to an absolute minimum... I wonder if the Japanese blade smiths had similar issues ? ** To anyone else planning on trying this, research the topic thoroughly and understand ALL the risks before attempting such a thing. ** No liability accepted. Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺

[@TheArgentlion]

@@MeltandCast we were one out of one and have not tried it again for that reason. the seemingly glaring difference is our water was "room temp" and not heated. to what temp are you bringing your water to?

[@MeltandCast]

My water was preheated to around 90C. I read that 80-90C is optimal...

[@tarn1135]

I could just Google it but I’d rather get angry comments from other people (still haven’t seen any here so good on you from having a great following) so whats the point of doing this besides the color? I assume you can’t just take these pretty colored ingots and cast them into a mold or shape, so that’d leave either leaving them as is or hammer and rolling but the wouldn’t the color yet again change each time you anneal them? So I guess I’m still at what practical effect are they?

[@SammyHoliday]

5:48 RIP my earphones

[@MeltandCast]

Sorry mate !! Just watched that bit... see what you mean !! Thanks 😎👍

[@anthonyairey8029]

Please stop picking up those molds with plires

[@SammyHoliday]

3:05 - 5:45 nice

[@MeltandCast]

Cheers mate - I appreciate it and thanks for the sub 😃😃👍

[@ronin2963]

Not on the kiln! The stones were perfect 🤬🤯😡😰😥😓😕😏🧐🤩

[@laurahelenaxou1834]

Oh, now I know why the nasty "rock'n roll" kind of "music" sometimes is called "metal"!!! 14:43 The sound is exactly the same!!!!! 😮

[@MeltandCast]

Hehe... Yeah, I don't use music much now... this was one of my older videos when I was learning the ropes... Cheers 😎

[@ITZGR82BFREE]

So, commenting on a 4yr old video ... a lot of money invested on just about everything but no crucible pouring tongs. Show us the video when you brake the crucible while pouring with a pair of $2 channel locks. I don't get it.