Smelting accesory?

[3006guns]

I'm looking more and more at building a modest smelter from turkey frier or gas water heater parts and 8" heavy pipe for the pot. Something just occured to me........why not a heavy steel plate (say 1/4") lid with a lifting ring? Same idea as a cooking pot with a lid...keeps the heat in for quicker initial melts. If you need to take a break, the lid could be put on and your gas consumption reduced. Sounded good to me but are there any reasons it wouldn't be practical?:castmine:

[3006guns]

Just found the answer in Castpics......already done by others! Oh well, at least great minds think alike.......:-D

[standles]

The lid also works good for preheating the ingot moulds for first pours.

I hate those ingots that look like layered newspaper

Steven

[Sundogg1911]

Standles, I'm with you. I preheat my ingot moulds. I know it doesnt matter, but they just look so much nicer.