[Jewelry making - Article 01144] - Re: [Orchid] Crucible Cleaning

[James Binnion]

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>         At the risk of sounding like I don't know what I'm talking
>     about-- So what?? You reglaze the crucible anyway..  Also, I use
>     sparex  not acid (acid-acid) in my pickle. 

    Because you are adding compounds that will contaminate your melts.
    You want to have as little extraneous elements in your melt as
    possible. The sulfer in the sparex (sodium bisulfate NaHSO4 . H2O)
    will react in the melting process and produce sulfur dioxide which
    will get into your metal and will produce porosity, how much will
    depend on how many times you do this and how the reactions proceed
    in your melt. Once you sulfur dioxide in the metal the only way to
    get it out is to refine the metal. Covering it with flux will not
    help as the flux will just pick it up and bring it into contact with
    the metal. 

    BTW Sparex is an acid it is just not quite as corrosive to skin and
    clothing as sulfuric or other mineral acids. Here are some synonyms
    for sodium bisulfate (Sparex): Sodium hydrogen sulfate; sodium acid
    sulfate; sulfuric acid, monosodium salt, monohydrate 

Jim Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts
Phone (360) 756-6550
Toll Free (877) 408 7287
Fax (360) 756-2160
http://www.mokume-gane.com
jbin AT mokume-gane.com
Member of the Better Business Bureau

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