Q&A for How to Melt Copper

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What is the average cost of copper per pound?

Community Answer

About $2.60 a pound as of late, but it fluctuates on an hourly basis. Check KitCo.com for most base prices.

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Can wire with plastic be placed in a hot crucible?

Community Answer

Yes, but the plastic will produce toxic fumes, so be very careful if you do this and use breathing protection.

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What other metals can be recast using this DIY foundry method?

Community Answer

It depends on the maximum temperature of your foundry. Since it's supposed to reach temperatures high enough to melt copper, it should also work for gold, silver, zinc, tin and lead among others.

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Question

What kind of extinguisher can be used for a crucible?

Community Answer

A completely discharged steel fire extinguisher will work. The size will depend on the size of your furnace. Just cut the extinguisher casing in half with a hacksaw and use the bottom part of it, which should form a nice cup shape.

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Question

Can a ceramic kiln be used to melt copper?

Community Answer

Of course, as long as it can reach the melting point temperature of copper.

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Question

Can I get more for my copper if I melt it into ingots rather than bare wire?

Community Answer

Depends where you sell it! Scrap yards will buy it by weight, but on placed like eBay it can be sold for a lot more. For example, 1-pound bars on eBay are $10 - 20, but scrapyards will only give you a few dollars.

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Question

Including the cost of the safety equipment, about how much will this project cost?

Community Answer

This highly depends on where you are able to get the equipment. I have built one of these furnaces, and I can tell you it would have been cheaper for me to purchase a devil forge.

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Can I make a metal crucible to melt brass and copper?

Community Answer

Metal can be used structurally, but you want to insulate the furnace with refractory material, like fire bricks or ceramic fiber. Metal conducts heat and will draw heat away from your subject.

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Question

What is another name for Kaowool?

Community Answer

Ceramic fiber blanket. Be sure to get a coating, as Kaowool (brand name) lets off tiny fibers that are very harmful to your lungs.

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Question

Can I melt copper using wood as fuel?

Community Answer

Yes, but it will be more difficult. You will need a good blower to get enough air for the fire to be hot enough. Wood tends to create large, tall flames when used in a forge or foundry. The wood will need to be cut into roughly fist-sized chunks.

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Does it matter if different grades of copper are mixed?

Community Answer

No, it does not. The foundry will melt any trash and create slag which you will need to skim off to get .999 pure copper.

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Question

How do I separate copper from gold?

Community Answer

Use a strong acid such as sulfuric acid to dissolve the copper. The gold won’t dissolve in the acid.

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Question

Is it okay to do this in my house?

Community Answer

No, you should not do this in your house. That would be an extremely big fire risk, and depending on fuel and what may be alloyed with the copper, poisonous gases could build up in your home. Please take the proper precautions, and please also go outside if you decide to do this.

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