Preparing a Graphite Mold for Silver Casting: Best Practices

Question
I have some sterling silver I want to make into an ingot.  I have  prepared the crucible with borax, and would like to know if I need to prepare and/or preheat the graphite mold before I pour the silver.  I'm using a torch.

Thanks

Answer
While not all jewelers preheat the mold, I have found incomplete filling is sometimes a result of pouring into a cold mold. Simply play the torch around the outside then the inside of the mold until it is hot.  If hot enough for the borax to glisten, it is hot enough and can be slightly cooler than that.   These molds are generally effective and work well.

Melting metal in a graphite crucible is often a problem, however. The conductance of graphite may prevent metals which are highly heat conductive from soaking up enough heat to melt properly while heat is lost to the surroundings from the crucible.  If melting in a graphite crucible, keep an eye on the metal to insure it is fluid.

Sorry this is late. Allexperts has not sent me questions on a timely basis and has thus far not corrected the problem or responded to my inquiries regarding late questions.


If you have any more concerns, please feel free to get back to me with a follow-up and if that fails for some reason, contact me through this website: http://landingheroncatsphotoschrist.blogspot.com/
I hope the problem of receiving questions from the allexperts site is resolved quickly for the sake of questioners like you.


God Bless and Peace.  Thomas.

Thanks again.