Thought I would share my pot. First off after MUCH research I need to give credit to CB's "BigBlack" for the basic valve concept idea. I did modify BB's design to what I think will work sweet.
Pour valve: 1"X1"x3.5" key stock. cross drilled using a CSK 1/2-13 UNC allen head screw, and 1/4" NPT outlet
Main body is 8" schedule 40 black pipe. milled a 1" square slot for the valve assembly:
Upper valve rod bracket is removable so I can remove the CSK screw and rod assembly for cleaning:
Inside pic :
Outside pic :
I went with a .5" thick pot bottom thinking it will add better heating stability :
I positioned the valve handle to operate outside the pot so as to keep my hand as far away from the heat source as posible
Planning on my first smelting session this weekend if it's not too cold.