Originally Posted by
sagacious
Likewise, melting steel is "simple."
You need heat, charcoal, and a crucible. It is fun to do.
I'm not sure what is meant by the vague statement "need a catilyst to bring the copper into soluable alloy." No catalyst will alloy Cu/Pb into solid solution, as this is a misunderstanding of the term catalyst.
Responsibility compels me to comment strenuously on this subject. Melting copper, brass alloys, or bronze alloys is exceedingly dangerous. This is not a project for newbies, or those unfamiliar with the process. It is borderline irresponsible to suggest that pouring molten copper is just a "simple" matter of fuel, flame, and fun. I'm sure there are people who melt copper in their garage while wearing tennis shorts and using oven mits as gloves, but that's hardly an adequate recommendation for a casual aproach to foundry practice.
I have poured many a crucible of copper and copper alloys. It requires speialized techniques and knowledge to be successful, and a sober attitude about safety practices and the serious consequences and dangers posed by working with 2000+*F molten metal. Anything less is a recipe for disaster, and anyone competent in foundry practice is aware of this.
Let's all continue to recommend only safe practices to newbies, or encourage newbies to study their plans thoroughly before undertaking more demanding metal-pouring challenges. Molten lead can be dangerous enough, and copper is a world away from lead. Good luck, and stay safe.