A question for pewter melters

[newrib]

One of these days I am going to melt down some of my scrap pewter and mold it into a small ingots of 1 and 2 ounces. The question I have is, do you pewter guys flux your pewter and what with ?

[30Carbine]

I don't flux I just scrape off the little bit of stuff on top. it goes into a coffee can to be ran through again at a later melt.

[1911KY]

I fluxed mine with just a little bit of sawdust. I can't say for certain that it is required but I did it just to make sure it was clean.

[imashooter2]

I've done well over 400 pounds in the last year and a half. I flux by stirring with a paint stirrer stick, and if it is a particularly dirty batch I'll add a little saw dust. My experience is that for ten pounds of alloy, you'll get an ounce or so of dry powdery dross. Dirt, old polish and the like.

[bangerjim]

Keep the melt temp down!!!!! It melts much lower than Pb. Depending on the alloy, it is only 437 to 464 degrees F.

What little pewter I have done, I use only beeswax. If you keep the temp down the oxides will be held to a minimum.

bangerjim

[pjames32]

Melted some last week. YES on keep the temps down! I poured them into a 180gr 40 cal 4 gang mold. Figured that was a small enough size I can add what I need to get to my 1 or 2%. I had very little residue floating on top. Just skimmed it.

[imashooter2]

I take mine to 550 degrees before fluxing. At lower temperatures, I find the oxides don't reduce efficiently. My way, but certainly not the only way.

[scottfire1957]

What little I've done, not much fluxing needed. That and I'll flux when I mix my alloys.

[newrib]

Thanks to all who responded, for the very helpful information. Regards. Tony

[472x1B/A]

I'm with newrib on this. I am thanking everyone too. I have 27 pounds to smelt down and was not sure what or what not to do. Thanks.

[Beagle333]

27 pounds! Awesome. :grin:

[sealer]

i use a paint stick and or candle wax. and i get very little dross.
dennis

[Retumbo]

I use wax as a flux and cast them with fishing weight molds.