BNE contact

[porthos]

is BNE still doing alloy testing. last thread i can find is in 2020??

[Mike W1]

I think so. Send him a PM,

[kevin c]

He did some for me just last month.

Please prep your samples the way he instructs: it greatly simplifies the work he has to do.

Besides labeling and mounting on cards, what I do is set a propane torch to a corner of what I want analyzed, held a few inches above a flat metal surface. A drip will freeze immediately, and its underside should be smooth and flat, perfect for the xrf probe. High tin alloys produce bigger splatter due to the lower surface tension, needing a shorter distance to fall.

[Dusty Bannister]

I do something similar but do not mount on the card flat base up in case it might pick up some material from the surface. Usually the drip has a flat surface surrounded by the drip that becomes solid as it cools. If there is a "best way", please let us know. Trying to make the job as hassle free for a member that provides a much appreciated service.

[The Appalacian]

I haven't sent BNE any samples yet but he told me when I asked him about it that he smashes the samples flat for the test and all he needs is a BB sized clipping off the corner of an ingot or whatever.

[dale2242]

Sorry to beat a dead horse, but what does he charge again?

[Beerd]

last I heard it was 1 pound of lead.
drop him a PM, it's easy.
..

[kevin c]

I haven't sent BNE any samples yet but he told me when I asked him about it that he smashes the samples flat for the test and all he needs is a BB sized clipping off the corner of an ingot or whatever.

True, that’s what he instructs. I just find it as easy and maybe neater to melt off the sample, and BNE notes that it saves him a bit of prep.

I do something similar but do not mount on the card flat base up in case it might pick up some material from the surface…

I hadn’t thought of contamination of the sort Dusty mentions. I did get one surprising result back from him last time that could be explained that way. I wonder if a cleanable, non corroding surface like a glass or ceramic plate would work.

[Half Dog]

Many people have sent samples to BNE and I haven’t heard of any issues. Everyone seems to be very pleased with him and his process.
Once I wanted an immediate result so I took a sample to a local university. Their geology department has the equipment to give a complete analysis.

[JSnover]

last I heard it was 1 pound of lead.
drop him a PM, it's easy.
..

Yep. Last year it was 1 pound of WW.