So consensus says get a propane tank, cut off the top, and use it for smelting pot. Previous question got many responses saying this was the way to go. Hope this question and explanation helps others as well as me!
Ok, I got a 20lb propane tank and cut the top off, above the weld line. I also fabricated (like a kindergartener) some rebar handles. I saved the top and cut small slits along the rim and bent out the tabs, so the top will fit back over the bottom half of tank while smelting. Thought was to trap the heat.
Question—is the bottom ring too tall?, should it be removed?, thus lowering the tank closer to the turkey fryer, which I added additional legs and surface rods to. The bottom ring could be removed and cut in half and put back on, any benefit to that? That is cut in half along the circumference. If I removed the ring it may make the pot unstable-don’t want to go there! I am wondering if I’m losing too much heat with the pot being lifted from the flame. It seems as if the pot were closer to the apex of the flame, it would be hotter. Please advise. Am I over thinking this?
The pot works as is. It smelted about 150 lbs of range lead, but took a long time to get started. At least 90 mins. Once it got going, it went quick. The bottom ring turned red hot so I know my turkey fryer is putting out enough heat-just is there a way to maximize this?
To purge, I opened the valve and depressed the center to let all remaining gas pressure escape-wasn’t much at all. Then removed the valve assembly. Then filled and flushed with water a few times and let it set for 15 mins upside down after the water drained the last time. Passed a blow torch over the top to see if any remaining gas present and there was none. I then proceeded to use cut off wheels on grinder to cut tank into.
Someday I may sandblast it and paint it to make it prettier! Maybe a Ford tractor blue?