Use for Aluminum Scrap

[1001001]

Originally Posted by maniago

From my old shop days, I'm pretty sure that the zinc will come off if you use stainless. We used a cast iron container. Black pipe (or old sewage drain pipe from a plumbers scrap) might be the best easy to get solution.

Are you thinking of galvanized steel vs. stainless? I am unaware of any common stainless steels that have zinc as a significant component of the alloy.

[sblack]

I don't think these alloys that we use are any good for casting.

[WingsOnWheels]

Originally Posted by sblack

I don't think these alloys that we use are any good for casting.

It has worked fine for me so far. Not ideal im sure, but its not like I am trying to make airworthy parts.

[rzbill]

Originally Posted by RV6_flyer

What about intergranular corrosion from the different metals in the alloy of the sheet metal we use on our aircraft when you melt it down?

I can see how it can be melted down but the end result alloy will not be anything useful. It appear to me to be just a waist of time and energy. Please show me how I am wrong.

Sure, if one limits the scope to aircraft then yes I would be concerned about not knowing the chemistry in the melt.

However, there are plenty of useful non-aviation things that can be made with cast aluminum of mysterious chemistry. I have fabricated items from cast lumps. Its fun. I still have a small vice I made 35 years ago. I use it because the aluminum jaws are soft by nature.

Assuming Colin made that handle from the casting, it looks like a fine job. I don't see any hydrogen porosity in the casting. Nice.

Thanks for posting this Colin. I might just fab up one of these foundries.

[maniago]

Originally Posted by 1001001

Are you thinking of galvanized steel vs. stainless? I am unaware of any common stainless steels that have zinc as a significant component of the alloy.

Ack. Right you are. I'd still go with cast iron if possible.

[1001001]

Originally Posted by rzbill

Sure, if one limits the scope to aircraft then yes I would be concerned about not knowing the chemistry in the melt.

However, there are plenty of useful non-aviation things that can be made with cast aluminum of mysterious chemistry. I have fabricated items from cast lumps. Its fun. I still have a small vice I made 35 years ago. I use it because the aluminum jaws are soft by nature.

Assuming Colin made that handle from the casting, I looks like a fine job. I don't see any hydrogen porosity in the casting. Nice.

Thanks for posting this Colin. I might just fab up one of these foundries.

I'd agree with all of this. I've been making little parts and things our of aluminum in my small machine shop for years. All the scrap I'm generating will eventually find its way to usefulness through this process...but not as airplane parts.

[daviid]

i got bored at work and created a foundry one day. I need to upsize now as my new crucibles are too big. i used a 16 gallon drum. Right now im capable of making 7.5 lb ingots of aluminum and i believe 23 lb ingots of copper. I have a ton of both to melt down at the moment.

https://www.facebook.com/daviid484/v...31737617072006

[AviatorJ]

I do plenty of things that are a waste of time and energy.

[johnny stick]

If melting aluminum, just be careful of beryllium poisoning. Beryllium fumes are not safe to breath.

[WingsOnWheels]

Originally Posted by johnny stick

If melting aluminum, just be careful of beryllium poisoning. Beryllium fumes are not safe to breath.

Certainly an outdoor activity, for more reasons than one...haha