Going to build a smelter... need help!

[Sweetpea]

I came across an old propane tank...

My plan is to cut it down, and use the bung that is already on the top (now bottom) for a pour tube.

Should be fairly simple, just thread some stuff together, BUT!

What should I use to seal the threads that will stand up to the heat?

I was thinking of using a brass ball valve... do you think that will work?

Any thoughts and comments will be appreciated!

Brandon

[Jim Flinchbaugh]

ball valves usually have teflon seats. IT will likely melt out. Also my recent experience with brass parts,
the heating and cooling cycles cause the threads to loosen over time, then that one time you tighten it, stuff breaks.
Use steel.

[shadowcaster]

ball valves usually have teflon seats. IT will likely melt out. Also my recent experience with brass parts,
the heating and cooling cycles cause the threads to loosen over time, then that one time you tighten it, stuff breaks.
Use steel.

Jim is right.. You will be better off with steel. Also, you may find that by having your bottom pour in the center if there are components on the top, they will get in your way while stirring, fluxing and scooping. I prefer a smelter with a flat bottom so I welded up a rim and some steel plate to build my bottom pour smelter.

Shad

[Jim]

I looked into this awhile back. After much research, I decided it was more cost and trouble than it was worth. I continue to use my 12 qt. dutch oven over a four (steel) legged heavy duty burner and a healthy ladle.

[felix]

Not the cost so much, Jim, but the potential harm done by molten metal. ... felix

[Sweetpea]

Yeah... I want to get the safety bugs out FIRST!

[shadowcaster]

Done correctly... IMO cost can be kept to a bare minimum, and be safer that using the ladle method.

Shad

[Chilmonty]

Instead of building one, I was actually looking at this for smelting:
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Bayou-Classic-Stainless-Steel-10-Gallon-Spigot-Pot/6660146/product.html

Kinda pricey but its already to go with a steel spigot. Says its good to 1000 degrees and all SS. What do you think?

[Spawn-Inc]

Instead of building one, I was actually looking at this for smelting:
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Bayou-Classic-Stainless-Steel-10-Gallon-Spigot-Pot/6660146/product.html

Kinda pricey but its already to go with a steel spigot. Says its good to 1000 degrees and all SS. What do you think?

ball valve will be it's downfall, as stated they seal with a teflon/plastic bushing around the ball.

[dragonrider]

"What should I use to seal the threads that will stand up to the heat?"

Weld.

As for a the valve try to find a shut off valve used for natural gas, they are solid brass, and adjusable.

[USMC87]

The lift lever would be my preference, I'm looking at making my own just because I want a 25-30 pounder. My advantage is my friend owns a machine shop and I can get all the free steel and use all the equipment there also.

[David2011]

That 10 gallon pot would hold over a ton of lead if you could apply enough heat to melt it all at once. Agreed that the ball valve will fail. If memory serves correctly, teflon becomes a gas at a little over 400 degrees F. Your seals would literally evaporate. Unless you intend to cast commercially Jim is right- probably more trouble and risk than it's worth. Dipping with a ladle is so much safer!

David

[felix]

No way would that thing be heavy duty enough for lead. ... felix

[geargnasher]

Nuttin' wrong with a good ol' ladle.

Gear