NewBullion
Member
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2011
- Messages
- 11
Hi everybody.... (Hi Dr. Nick)
I tried melting some silver cement for the 1st time (about 20g to start) with my new Bernzomatic Quickfire blowtorch and melting dish to make anodes for my silver cell. After convincing myelf, the blowtorch wasn't going to blow my hand off, I began to "melt". The powdered cement turned orange with heat but not for long. As I moved the blowtorch around to other areas of the dish, the orange areas cooled very quickly. Some seems to have turned molten (more like some just stuck together into a blob) but then cooled quickly even as it was heated and then this reddish substance appeared. I then took another dish and put in 10g of cemented silver. After 20 - 25 mins of pointing the torch at one area, realisation kicked in that no melting was happening today, I decided to stop before I ran out of propane. Tiny amount of Borax was added when molten for a matter of seconds.
Is the blowtorch just not hot enough? I was told it would be and it's supposed to reach 1500C. I was told Mapp gas cans would fit these torches.
Any advice as it should be melting at least small amounts like 10g? What is the reddish substance?
Will get an oxy/acetylene setup when Im more savvy with my melting skills. I have over 1200g of 925 to refine but practicing with 50g first.
I thank you all in advance. I'd be more worried if everything was going right for me :lol:
I tried melting some silver cement for the 1st time (about 20g to start) with my new Bernzomatic Quickfire blowtorch and melting dish to make anodes for my silver cell. After convincing myelf, the blowtorch wasn't going to blow my hand off, I began to "melt". The powdered cement turned orange with heat but not for long. As I moved the blowtorch around to other areas of the dish, the orange areas cooled very quickly. Some seems to have turned molten (more like some just stuck together into a blob) but then cooled quickly even as it was heated and then this reddish substance appeared. I then took another dish and put in 10g of cemented silver. After 20 - 25 mins of pointing the torch at one area, realisation kicked in that no melting was happening today, I decided to stop before I ran out of propane. Tiny amount of Borax was added when molten for a matter of seconds.
Is the blowtorch just not hot enough? I was told it would be and it's supposed to reach 1500C. I was told Mapp gas cans would fit these torches.
Any advice as it should be melting at least small amounts like 10g? What is the reddish substance?
Will get an oxy/acetylene setup when Im more savvy with my melting skills. I have over 1200g of 925 to refine but practicing with 50g first.
I thank you all in advance. I'd be more worried if everything was going right for me :lol: