Troubleshooting Silver Melting for Casting: A Metalsmith's Guide

Question
as a beginning metalsmith I would like to try casting. I bought the delft clay casting kit from a company as it seemed much easier then cuttlefish casting. I bought a torch from the hardware store because my minitorch will not melt the silver. I was dissapointed that even the bigger torch did not melt the silver, even when I switched to mapp gas it didn't get hot enough for the silver to become liquid. I use a casting crucible to melt the silver in. What am I doing wrong? I hope you can help me.....Alie Alink


Answer
Hello Alie,

Thanks for the question and I apologise for the delay in response.

I ahve not heard of the delft carving kit, but can assure you that cuttlefish is quite an easy prospect.

It sounds to me that you are simply not creating enough heat and the easiest solution would be an oxygen propane set-up. You will be unlikely to get enough melt heat without the oxygen assistance.
Not sure what this will set you back in your country.
Alternativley you coould use oxy / acetylene which is what a mechanic or plumber might use.

Once you have a good heating device then heta the crucible in a circular motion so that the heating is constant over all the metal and when it finally becomes molten, sprinkle some borax over the metal and it will suddnely go shiny.

Pour the metal in a smooth flow and then waiting for it to cool down until it is no longer red before quenching.

Let me know if you need any more help.

Good luck and cheers, P