I've seen various mentions of using plain old sawdust as a very reliable flux for bullet alloy. Often these discussions include "if you don't have access to sawdust, get pet bedding." I assume that refers to the cedar bedding used for rabbits and other small pets, but there are so many different types of "small pet bedding" products that I'd be hard pressed (as a super noobie to casting) to be able to sort them out.
So first off, for fluxing, do I want "genuine wood shaving" type bedding, or will any of the paper-based beddings work? What about the pellet-type beddings, like "Eco-Straw" peleted wheat straw?
And if all of that is just details, can I use old corn cob or walnut tumbling media instead? It strikes me that they are both essentially the same as ground/shaved/sawn wood, as far as the actual purpose of sawdust for fluxing is concerned.
Of course I'm open to any suggestions or educational opportunities here. I'm here to learn.