[Jewelry making - Article 00303] - Re: [Orchid] Torch vs. Electromelt

[Lee Epperson]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

    I have been using electromelts while vacuum casting for 30 years and
    have never used a torch to melt metal so I guess I am somewhat
    prejudice. 

    I strongly suggest you move on to the electromelt if you are vacuum
    casting I suggest you buy the electromelt with the controller
    option. This will make melting the metal much easier. The non
    controller unit must be watched closely and you have to fiddle with
    the temperature control knob to prevent the heating element from
    burning up. 

    Advantages of using an electromelt: 

    The temperature of the molten metal will be consistent between
    pours. You can melt enough metal for several pours. I melt around 60
    to 70 ounces of silver in my larger electromelt. The controlled unit
    will hold the set temperature as long as you desire. 

    You are melting the metal in a reducing atmosphere. Pouring the metal
    into the mold is like pouring coffee into a cup. 

    Disadvantages of using an electromelt:

    It takes time to melt the metal. It takes about 40 minutes to melt a
    charge of metal in the smaller electromelt and more than an hour in
    the larger unit. 

    The graphite crucible will deteriorate in time. I find that I have to
    replace the larger crucible after about 20 days of casting. 

Lee Epperson
____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________