Why do you add borax to molten copper. Borax is a good flux for copper and copper alloys.

Why do you add borax to molten copper Hi Jim, That sounds reasonable but, if that’s true, why do we flux and/or firecoat with boric acid at all? I mean, why not just use straight borax in solution (alcohol)? Wouldn’t that do the same thing (and possibly be less expensive)? While I’m asking flux-related questions, I’d like to add another: is there a Add a handful of pennies made after 1982. Borax – it creates a thick molten boron glass coating that protects the settle from the oxygen […] We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. what application does it have for aluminum, copper, and brass? does it help Dec 21, 2020 · Why do you add borax to molten metal? 🟢Borax when used in melting of Gold and Silver helps to dissolve Oxides and other impurities and produce a fluid borate slag that collects on the surface of the molten metal. When Do You Need to Add Borax to Your Pool? Borax doesn’t decompose, expire, or get used up. Now make the mixture of borax and soda in the proportion of 1:1. Do you add it at the start to the cold metal or when it's already molten? Furthermore, borax helps in the creation of smooth, high-purity castings, rendering the metalworking process more efficient and effective. The 4 Steps for Successful Soldering – The 4 steps will help you to achieve soldering success! Apr 4, 2023 · Newbie here. It was too hot when you cooled it. We also explain the methods for cleaning copper, including the top 8 natural ways to clean copper, as well as how to prevent copper from tarnishing. Here is the link to a as long as your melting clean metal, copper for instance, once it melts and you just have a beautiful pool of molten copper, why add borax, its already clean, and most likely you wont even need to skim, if you do, very little. The flux components react with aluminum forming gaseous compounds (aluminum chloride, aluminum fluoride). Aug 7, 2013 · Borax does more than clean clothes; it can also “clean” gold ore to produce samples of pure gold. Some of the earliest known fluxes were sodium carbonate, potash, charcoal, coke, borax, [1] lime, [2] lead sulfide [3] and certain minerals containing phosphorus. Borax seems like the easiest solution if that were the case. Thus, as the steel cools, the anhydrous borax protects the surface from oxidation. Borax is a good flux for copper and copper alloys. Apr 26, 2018 · Properties of Copper Copper is a soft, malleable metal with a distinctive bright reddish color. Your trying to minimize the oxidizing that top forms on brass I assume. May 22, 2018 · Add in some borax to thin out the liquid. The borax was probably added to provide a cover for the molten alloy, but was too powerful a solvent for the crucible. What kind of casting are you doing? Are you doing gravity pours into metal ingot molds? That is the only time I know of Dec 14, 2020 · I am getting some conflicting answer and some questions I cant seem to find answer about crucibles. However, over time, these beautiful pieces can tarnish and lose their shine, leaving you wondering how to restore their original luster. Let's get started! Introduction There are a few reasons why you They are named for the ability to make molten metals easier to flow during smelting. LFB = Low Fuming Bronze: requires special fluxes such as Anti-Borax No. Borax reacts with molten aluminum to form aluminum borate and releases oxygen that makes even more aluminum oxide (slag) and water Jan 23, 2018 · If you’ve recycled your precious metals at MGS and watched the refining process, you probably noticed that scrap isn’t the only material going into the furnace. The So I'm making bronze right now and i am currently melting the copper, then adding the tin after. Borax is also a good flux for 'pre-tinning' tungsten with zinc, which makes the tungsten soft-solderable. Nov 2, 2023 · Its ability to remove impurities, prevent oxidation, and improve the fluidity of the molten metal makes anhydrous borax an essential component in forge welding. Anything between them that gets in the way makes the weld weak, or incomplete. You can add the borax when you stock the crucible, stock more than the intended pour, before pour scrape the rim of the metal and scoop off the slag, a propane/oxy torch with a rose bud nozzle positioned over the mold targeting the top of the pour. Heat your mold up to about 1000° f for a couple hours. Jun 13, 2020 · Today’s chatter is about making bubbles inside kiln-fired glass using metal oxides rather than borax, bicarbonate of soda or other commercial bubble mixtures. ‪@MakeGold‬ 👉 / archimedeschannel Last week's recipe for you! Adding borax to melt gold can be a useful technique to reduce the formation of oxides and other impurities during the melting Borax will dissolve a graphite crucible, do not use it. if you’re using a new graphite crucible and it sounds like it’s not contaminated…. The comments say it is to use as a slag barrier but I don't buy that. Feb 12, 2025 · When the melt and flux are molten, remember the flux is lighter and floats on top of the denser molten metal. This said, I use clay-graphite crucibles so I can't point you to any specific instructions. Pure zinc with a copper coating. The graphite itself serves the purpose of protecting the melt by creating a reducing atmosphere with all the excess carbon. If you are not used to casting please read up on safe handling as I consider molten metal much more hazardous than hot steel even when the steel is The rust, in turn, would form imperfections in the sheet steel during the rolling operation. Cans are an inherently poor source of aluminum for the hobby foundry. heat shock cracks the borax glass. Jan 2, 2019 · While molten alloys should be containable by refractory crucibles (I'm surprised by blacksmith37's comment!), if the crucible is not properly chosen, I suppose it just might not do its job of containing the molten metal. Add a few small marbles for the glass coating to keep the zinc from dissipating. Dec 13, 2023 · Oxygen penetrates into the molten copper from the atmosphere or as a result of oxidizing action (oxygen injection or oxidizing fluxing). May 1, 2017 · Tons of info! Oxidation, Flux, and Fire scale – Why does oxidation occur? Why do you keep getting fire scale? How do you get rid of it? Learn the whys of what is happening when you solder and the solutions. It helps to remove impurities from the gold, making it easier to work with. Borax produces the 20 Mule Team® borates family of products from naturally occurring minerals and have an excellent reputation for purity and safety when used as directed. May 18, 2004 · Hello, I’ve been reading the in the archives for some time now. Jun 16, 2023 · In recent years, this jack-of-all-trades mineral has also made a name in pool care. Learn how borax-based refining works in this article. Fluxing helps in keeping the oxygen away from the hot metal and also eats away existing oxides. Iron ore was also used as a flux in the smelting of copper. In copper smelting, converter slags can be recycled to recover copper and flux. Oct 23, 2011 · Flux is a very broad term, It is a substance used to make soldering easier by cleaning joint when soldering, or can be used to keep metals from oxidizing by high temperature's when welding or brazing. Too much borax gives more borax to remove from the metal later. Jan 25, 2009 · All that should be required is that you coat your melting dish with a light covering of borax, so the molten gold glides across the surface easily, without sticking. In order to produce a product as pure as primary metal it is necessary to remove all oxides and extraneous impurities. Borates are key ingredients in a number of industrial applications including fiberglass, glass, ceramics, batteries and capacitors, wood preservatives, and flame retardants. I have treated them with borax, but it doesn't seem to do much With aluminum in particular, while it's still hot, after I've poured the aluminum, I take a big spoon that I found at goodwill and scrape out the slag as best I can. Dec 2, 2018 · I have no problem melting the copper, its just molten copper loves to absorb oxygen and release it on solidification. You need to stir it in so it'll contact and entrap impurities and particles so they don't make it to the mold. Borax is a reliable and experienced partner. clean melts Whether you Aug 30, 2021 · Rather than give away or sell old silver you can recycle it. Why do you add borax to molten copper? Oct 25, 2008 · I did something wrong and need some advice. I got the story with the small inexpensive ceramic crucible and either scraping out Apr 2, 2025 · Copper items, with their warm, reddish glow, can add a touch of elegance to any home. The method is characterized by comprising the first step of mounting a graphite crucible onto an induction heating furnace and adding the borax into the graphite crucible, the second step of preheating the graphite crucible at the temperature ranging from 300 DEG C to 320 DEG C for 20-40 minutes, the third step of Sep 19, 2023 · Borax Borax is a common flux used in the melting and assaying process. 2. Learn more Borax is used as a flux in many blacksmithing shops. Aug 10, 2020 · Step 3: You can use a gas torch oo a blow torch to melt silver in the crucible. g. May 13, 2017 · 911 Metallurgist is a trusted resource for practical insights, solutions, and support in mineral processing engineering, helping industry professionals succeed with proven expertise. Oct 22, 2017 · "Dirty" gold, silver or copper could all be used to do this --- in other words he needs to add enough other metal to "collect" the stuck metal as well as enough to roll/flow when molten --- I would also add 50/50 borax/soda ash flux - the soda ash will help by dissolving (the surface edges) of the crucible where the button is stuck so it better You need to keep the top liquid and continue to add metal. This is particularly important when it comes to creating intricate or detailed metal designs, as borax can help to ensure that the metal flows smoothly and evenly. You should definitely put your ingot mold in some kind of metal enclosure to catch your molten metal in case of spillage while pouring. Jan 9, 2023 · Here is the list of items you’ll need to melt gold: Graphite carbon crucible Pair of tongs Heat-resistant gloves Propane torch Protective eyeglasses or goggles Borax Sodium bicarbonate Metal melting furnace 1200 Watt microwave Respirator face mask Gold (scrap, jewelry, fine gold, or gold flakes) Before You Start Melting Gold It is important to remember that before melting the gold you should Jan 9, 2011 · Don't forget your solutions on the hotplate! I find that most of any borax stuck to a silver ingot will come off if you dip the silver ingot into a bowl of water soon after pouring it (make sure it's fully solidified, use tongs, don't drop it!), until it stops sizzling. 2) There is a plethora of fluxes. I have a small graphite/clay crucible and I was wondering if I needed to clean it between metals and if so? How hard is it Add chemical borax to the gold first if you need it to melt at lower temperatures. When to add borax to a copper melt? Title. In gold metallurgy, borates are: Incorporated in refining flux formulations to dissolve metal oxides Used as a flux in gold assaying The right borate concentration helps you save energy, reduce damage to melting equipment, and recover more precious metal. The worst your gonna find is more than likely from trying to I have recently got into metal melting. Whether it’s your favorite set of copper pots, decorative items, or plumbing fixtures, cleaning copper effectively can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re Apr 7, 2020 · I would suggest charcoal and no flux. Dissolving metal oxide impurities This application discusses the recovery of metals, (ie brass, bronze, copper, lead, and zinc) The recovery can come from scrap or from slag left over from a primary smelting operation. The decision to add borax will depend on several factors, such as the quality of the copper being melted, the equipment being used, and the specific application for which the copper will be used. Degassing fluxes are commonly shaped in form of tablets. Copper has a relatively high melting point of 1,083 degrees Celsius (1,982 F), but if you have the right equipment, you can melt it at home. This is good because it prevents the metal from sticking in the crucible. Hydrogen from oil, water and coolant will make the copper thicken up to a gluey mass when melted that won't pour worth a darn. Borax is also mixed with water as a flux when soldering jewelry metals such as gold or silver. Let’s find out why using borax in your pool may be necessary. At Guardian Gold, we commonly use borax as the main flux agent for the melts we conduct. That’s In this video they add glass to the melt. Borax is a crystal-forming mineral that can be reduced to a powder, in this case for use as a flux. Casting anything but especially high temp metals is NOT A TRIVIAL undertaking and you've picked one of the trickiest and dangerously toxic alloys to learn on. This is especially important for copper components that will be exposed to moisture and other elements. Borax is able to react with these oxides and remove them from the molten metal, preventing contamination and improving the mechanical properties of the cast material. Should use a graphite mold. Copper is melted either as ingots for storage or sale, or for casting another object, such as Borax in metallurgy Borax in metallurgy Borax Decahydrate has the ability to dissolve metal oxides and is exploited in the recovery of metals such as brass, copper, lead and zinc from scrap or smelting slag. If so, should I remove the old glassy borax at the bottom of the crucible? If so, how But if your crucible is seasoned with borax all you have to do is give that molten metal a good shake and all the impurities get stuck in that borax glaze, leaving your metal clean and fresh! Aug 3, 2023 · I’ve found it takes practice to create muscle memory. I read in ASM Metals Handbook that molten silver may absorbs oxygen causing porosity. Other metals are a little different, but, usually you can just skim what ever doesn't melt and your fine. What I do is I have a cruicble for each metal type I smelt. Liquid metal cooling to a solid will shrink, guess what happens when the outside is hard and the inside is trying to shrink Nov 7, 2005 · You don’t need a lot. Ready to turn up the heat and create something extraordinary? Let’s get started! Understanding Brass and Its Applications Brass is a metal alloy mainly composed of copper and zinc. 1 for copper, 1 for aluminum, etc. We take you step-by-step through: What borax is and how it works in molten metal How to apply it safely to your crucible or melt Before-and-after comparisons of dirty vs. No don’t oil a crucible, when you are using a new crucible heat it up first and add a bit of the borax and melt that onto the surface of the inside where the gold will be. Charcoal should provide some protection from both H and O. Mar 23, 2009 · Before you do the melt have him put the chips on a flat tray and burn out any coolant or oil. See full list on timesmojo. S. The easiest way to recycle silver is to melt it down and turn it into something else. 1) Do you need to glaze\season a graphite crucible with borax? All the video I see seem to be people glazing their smaller jewelry ceramic crucibles with borax. Feb 17, 2021 · Borax isn't a degasser, it's flux and floats on the molten surface. I’ve tried a number of different methods, but this is always The invention relates to a method for utilizing borax to cast brass alloys. To my knowledge, it will actually reduce its durability because the borax lowers the melting point of the crucible's materials. I am fairly new at jewelry making and want to start casting. Finally, borax also plays a role in minimizing the formation of slag in the metal during casting. Does the buildup of this red material affect the quality of the mixture of gold Nov 13, 2021 · The added thermal conductivity of the molten salt should speed the heat transfer to the copper vs copper wire alone, both speeding the melt and halting oxidation. Oct 21, 2015 · Put ½ of the silicon sand in the bottom of the crucible and add the ore mixture. Borax for flux or melting under a layer of powdered real charcoal---NOT BRIQUETTES!---can help as well as stiring with a chunk of real charcoal that is DRY DRY DRY. Feb 9, 2012 · When you re-melt copper, you need to add flux (borax will do), and you need to skim the dross off the top of the melt. Molten borax on-top of molten copper cannot form an impenetrable scab- it can* if you have cooled the metal too quickly. May 10, 2025 · Are you fascinated by the idea of transforming solid copper into a molten state using nothing but charcoal? If you’re a beginner eager to explore the captivating world of metalworking, this guide is your perfect starting point. Do you add it at the start to the cold metal or when it's already molten? Nov 20, 2002 · While melting gold or silver in a crucible, I usually take a small pinch of boric acid and add it to the metal right before casting. Afaik, you can't completely prevent it. I am noticing that the crucible now has a reddish color to the bottom, and it seems to be building up. Jul 2, 2017 · In this guide, we explain why copper tarnishes, why it is important to clean copper, how to clean copper jewelry, cookware and water vessels and how often you should clean copper. When the liquid cools, chip off the glass — which will have floated to the top during the cooling process — and there is your gold, smelted to perfection. Apr 22, 2025 · Flux Flux, such as borax, is used to prevent oxidation during the melting process. I rotate the crucible with a Check my post history for ref. I have been told that the addition of borax powder reduces the melting temperature of gold, but I'm unsure of how much. It’s only lowered by water loss-drag out, splash out, filter backwashing, and leaks or draining. Periodically, we add a bit of flux to the crucible and stir it into the melt. Concentrated sulfuric acid was used in the tanks to dissolve the anodes & deposit the purified copper on the cathodes. Is it necessary to recoat the crucible,so that the section that holds the metal is completely coated with borax?. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. We’ll take you through a comprehensive, step-by-step process to melt copper using charcoal, ensuring you understand every detail from selecting the right type of May 1, 2018 · Fluxes of this type usually used are based on borax, boric acid, or glass, any of which melts at copper alloy melting temperatures to provide a fluid slag cover over the melt surface. Feb 29, 2016 · In general, slag from smelting process arises from extraneous materials such as rust and oxides; oxidation of elements in the charge (e. many folks are proponents of cooking down borax to help it stick to the metal. Brass… I hate melting brass, the zinc fumes can make you very sick and can make you very dead. What should I do if Borax accidentally damages metal surfaces? If you find that Borax has caused damage or discoloration to a metal surface, there are steps you can take to mitigate the issue. iron, copper, zinc); residues from fuels; fluxes employed in the process (silica, borax, sodium nitrate, sodium carbonate, fluorspar); crucible erosion. Apr 2, 2025 · In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to get started, including the equipment required, how to prevent oxidation with fluxes, and step-by-step instructions for safely melting and casting brass. This is to reduce the amount of oxidation that occurs while melting the metal. Jan 26, 2025 · Copper is a transition metal that readily conducts heat and electricity, making it a valuable substance in the construction of numerous items. Further, borax is not an aluminum flux. . The borax forms a skin which, if left unbroken, reduces the oxidation and volatilization of the zinc. It was a very interesting but also a hot, smelly, dangerous place to work. Learn more about borate additives and important considerations when selecting them for fluids. Phil Baldwin told me to add a small piece of charcoal while melting and use a reducing fire at as low a temp as will melt. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the safest methods to melt copper at home Oct 25, 2024 · As far as borax is concerned, the best borax to use is anhydrous borax but don't expect it to help purify your melt, it will not. Why do you use borax for forge welding? Borax is commonly used as a flux in forge welding, mainly because of its ability to clean surfaces and prevent oxidation during the welding process. Aug 13, 2020 · The know-how you need to select the right borate For scrap metal recyclers, U. I'm just curious on how the borax works and when to add it/how much to add? Do I mix it? Do I skim the scummy stuff off if the top? I also have a question about the crucible. Smelting is an integral part of … How to Choose Gold Smelting Flux Read More » Dec 13, 2023 · Fluxes composed of chlorine and fluorine containing salts are used for degassing molten aluminum alloys. Some flux will remain in the crucible and flow out after all of the metal has poured out. It helps gather impurities into a slag on the surface, which can be skimmed off, improving the quality of the molten brass. Pour into mold and after I got cools, sand and polish. Borates lower the melting point and prevent oxidation. Optional – Add Flux: If you’re using borax as flux, add a small amount (about one teaspoon per pound of copper) to remove impurities from the metal, making it easier to pour. Charcoal is used on molten lead for long periods to reduce oxidation. Your copper will be pure. The amount recycled is affected by the minor elements such as bismuth, antimony, and arsenic. If most of your silver consists of items that are not all that popular on the market, you can have them melted down and transformed into jewelry, kitchenware, and other objects that you find useful to keep or that can be easily sold. Keep molten time to a minimum. Borates can also be Blacksmiths use borax as a flux, which is an agent that cleans and purifies the metal being joined in the forge welding process. Experiment with Borax: I want to see the difference in some small ingots by adding a little borax to the copper will you see the difference? About 20 Mule Team products U. Do not breathe zinc fumes as this can make you pretty sick. i remember that Borax is supposed to be used for something when melting your metal, but I don't understand what it is. Apr 3, 2025 · You can add a bit of borax powder before pouring to remove impurities. For 1 kg silver, 500gms of the mix When to add borax to a copper melt? Title. Nov 22, 2021 · Why do you add borax when melting copper? Cover flux to prevent air oxidation: During melting, borates will protect metal from the oxidizing atmosphere of the furnace. When borax is added to the molten metal, it helps to reduce the surface tension of the metal, making it easier to shape and mold. I demonstrate the proper way to do this. Oct 25, 2021 · This you want to melt down into a single piece of gold. Nov 4, 2021 · Whereby a high copper sample is dissolved in a bath of molten copper in a melting dish with a little borax sprinkled on top. It has high thermal and electrical conductivity (only silver has a higher electrical conductivity than copper) meaning it is easy to melt. If you have to melt your brass do it outside or with very effective powered ventilation. Degassing operation starts when a flux tablet is plunged by a clean preheated perforated bell to the furnace bottom. When you pour, flux will flow into the mold first followed by the metal. A small amount, depending upon how much silver you are melting. Dec 14, 2024 · Add Copper to the Crucible: Place the copper pieces you want to melt into the crucible. These fluxes decompose at copper alloy melting temperatures, generating oxygen to prevent hydrogen absorption and mitigate steam reactions. Both. I'm mostly going to be melting aluminum, copper, and brass. Some clients say it looks like chefs adding a secret ingredient to their stew. I am trying to determine on my needed smelting method for raw gold from the field - propane torch with ceramic crucible and borax flux or gold smelting furnace, graphite crucible and borax flux. The cooled copper can be further crafted into unique jewelry pieces like bracelets and earrings. The borax method is a technique of artisanal gold mining, which uses borax as a flux to purify gold concentrates. If the gold in the crucible is fine and powdered, it is important to move the torch down to it very gradually to avoid blowing it around and to make sure the crucible is heated slowly to ensure that it doesn’t crack. filtered out my black stuff dried it burned off the filter in my crucible covered with borax and heated with mapp torch the borax liquified and turned a deep brown almost Jan 20, 2014 · Copper loves oxygen and turns into a metallic sponge if allowed to overindulge. If there is too little borax, the surface of the molten metal can be scaly/clumpy, and once you add a pinch of borax, "molten glass" forms on the surface, the clumpiness dissolves and flows to the side. Sep 25, 2021 · And *all* copper has to be molten: unmolten (or re-frozen because of a too cold crucible bum) copper goes unnoticed as it sinks in the liquid, like most substances and metals / alloys and unlike water/ice. I use reverse electroplating and sulfuric acid to extract gold from processors. Borax I think there's been a myth circulating saying that crucibles should be tempered with borax. This enables a high-quality weld. Inclusions can often be mitigated by meticulously cleaning your scrap material ahead of time; dirt and debris can lead to lots of problems later on. Phos-Copper (BCuP): Phos-Copper alloys contain phosphorus and are used as a fluxing agent only when brazing copper to copper. This isn't as difficult as it sounds, just add granulated lead, your sample, some borax and heat it, usually for 45 minutes to an hour while driving the lead by keeping the door ajar. For many copper alloys , hydrogen absorption is a problem ; it evolves during freezing causing porosity. His kettle was an old stainless steel autoclave unit he Borax is added to molten copper to help reduce the oxidation of the metal, making it more resistant to corrosion. Where he lived he had access to free natural gas. The product sold as "low sodium salt" in supermarkets is a good source for this mixture, or you can also buy sodium and potassium chloride separately at a chemicals supplier and mix them, at a ratio of 70% sodium and 30% potassium chloride by weight. However, when it comes to its interaction with metals, the question arises: Does borax react with metal? In this article, we will delve into the chemistry behind borax and its Sep 30, 2003 · Boric acid is converted to borax when heated to soldering temperatures. Some add Boric Acid (Such as Grant Thompson in his Brass Knuckles video), but others use Borax. Borates act as fluxes during melting, combining with The rust, in turn, would form imperfections in the sheet steel during the rolling operation. The gas is Sep 22, 2006 · I have been using my Burno crucible for melting sterling silver, and notice that the borax which used to completely coat the inside of the crucible is all pooled up on the bottom of the crucible. They have to go through a refining process to get them into a useful form. They also remove metal oxides and help to adjust the slag's viscosity for easier removal from the molten metal. Jun 28, 2017 · How do manufacturers remove oxygen from metal during melting? I melt aluminium with nichrome wires and during melting it, it forms lots of slag (aluminium oxide) and I have to remove it manually. Jul 31, 2025 · We use Borax in silver casting to prevent invisible oxidation, protect molten metal, and ensure cleaner, defect-free results in automated induction systems. It seems to take inordinately long and then invariably I end up with a ball of silver that will not flow. Just a thin coating will do. This leave holes and pits in the finished bars. In Iron metallurgy, Borax Decahydrate is used as a flux to prevent oxidation at the surface of the molten iron. Boric Acid With the similarity of names, it Oct 18, 2010 · An old friend of mine used to melt copper wire of smaller gauge and pour it into pans about the size of cookie sheets a quarter of an inch thick and the scrap yard paid him #1 copper price. They are coated with inks and plastics that contaminate the melt and their high surface area to volume ratio means a great deal will be lost to oxidation. Hydrogen is picked up by the melt from the fuel fired atmosphere and together with hygroscopic materials (fluxes and scrap components). Borax also helps to prevent the gold from oxidizing during the melting process. In recovery and refining of metals flux is mixed with metals to be melted, this can be for many different reasons depending on what the goal is, flux can be a simple crushed glass or quartz sand Mar 6, 2025 · Borax, a naturally occurring mineral composed of boron, sodium, oxygen, and water, has been used for centuries in various applications, from cleaning and laundry to pest control and even as a flux in metalworking. In this video, we show you how a sprinkle of borax can transform your melt—removing impurities, reducing oxidation, and making every pour cleaner and stronger. The limitation on the recycle of steelmaking slag to the iron blast furnace is typically the impurity content, particularly the sulfur, phosphorus, and zinc. Jan 20, 2011 · Melt the zinc, then add the required quantity of solid copper and slowly raise the temperature, keeping covered with the molten borax the whole time. I have seen a few people post videos on glazing their graphite crucibles, but these videos really seem like they are just doing it Nov 6, 2001 · Don`t let molten aluminium come in contact with bear iron or steel The aluminium wil dissolve the iron (like mercury dissolves gold) and you end up with an alloy of alu/iron which is no good Also molten aluminium has a bigger heat content (enthalpy) as molten cast iron or bronze So although the temperature is lower it gives nastier burns peter Before gold and other precious metals can be converted into jewelries and used for various other purposes. It will allow the molten metal to flow easily out of the crucible, but by itself, without help of other flux components or lead to perform the oxidizing of the impurities, it will do little to purify the melt. Welding requires a good metal to metal contact. If its oxidation, perhaps try a small amount of borax to the mix and let it do it's thing. I found a video, not really about melting but more about what borax does. Also, a lot of torches do not come with the temperature gauge, so you have to monitor the process till silver starts melting. I hope you find it a productive …. Dehybor® anhydrous borax can be added to the molten steel and it will melt and rise to the surface. This is to ensure enhanced purity and fluidity to make it easier to form into different shapes. For aluminum, the best flux is a mix of sodium and potassium chlorides. Even Phos-Copper on brass to brass (or steel or something else) needs a coating of flux. Here’s my problem: I am melting silver in a prepared crucible with a borax, boric acid flux (dry). Whether your facility is a small manufacturing operation or a large distributor, we enable on-time delivery through our established logistics operations and global warehouse network. 2 things: Silver oxidizes and changes colors when exposed to oxygen AND because you went from molten liquid directly into water. Dec 31, 2022 · Pigtailing aluminum wiring entails splicing a short length of copper wire to aluminum wire and then connect the copper wire to the electrical device approved for copper connection. Like onto your torch hose, your foot, etc. The time taken to melt silver depends upon the size and the composition of the substance. What Does Borax Do When Melting Silver? Borax is often recommended as a bench staple, but what does it actually do? Well, it can be an essential component of your silver work, both for soldering and for melts. Nov 6, 2019 · As the gold melts you may form many of these very small beads with oxidized shells which are less likely to join together in the melt to form a larger button, now put that in a river of borax, where the borax is absorbing the molten metal oxides to form borate glass, add to that a lack of high enough heat, or time, or fluidity of the flux Feb 1, 2022 · Borates i nMetallurgy have been used over the centuries for both non-ferrous smelting and precious metals refining. Evidence suggests that gold-makers used borates as a fluxing agent even in Babylonian times. You don’t want molten metal dripping to places where you don’t want it to go. Cover the ore mixture with the remaining soda ash, the borax and the silicon sand. First, immediately rinse the affected area thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue, which can prevent further damage. Why is borax used in melting gold? When used in a gold refining flux, borates keep recovery high and equipment degradation low. Apr 14, 2025 · Are you fascinated by the art of metalworking and eager to try your hand at melting copper right in your own home? You’re in the right place! Melting copper can be an exciting and rewarding hobby, but it’s crucial to approach it with safety and precision, especially if you’re a beginner. Neutral cover fluxes, often made from borax, boric acid, or glass, form fluid slag covers that reduce metal loss, prevent zinc flaring, and absorb nonmetallic impurities like oxides and lubricants. In other metal working processes like welding, brazing, and soldering, Borax Jul 9, 2004 · They work great, but I have also heard that you can add copper fittings to a copper melt and accomplish the same thing because they are made of phos copper. Sep 5, 2017 · I tried heating some borax flux (not powdered laundry type borax) in my crucible in the oven, but after bringing the temperature up to maybe 1000 degrees F, it looks like the borax foamed up, exploded, and solidified in fluffy looking chunks all over the interior of my oven. Add to your (hopefully already seasoned with borax crucible) before you melt the silver. com Jul 25, 2024 · Additionally, adding flux (like borax) can help collect impurities and prevent oxidation by forming a protective layer over your copper as it melts. Avoid overfilling the crucible, leaving some space for expansion during melting. The art is to use just enough. I understand the purpose of using borax when you melt gold, for seasoning a crucible and attracting some contaminants, and for heating reasons etc. It allows the molten solder to flow evenly over the joint in question. I've watched a lot of casting videos on YouTube now, and typically when I see someone casting Brass or Copper, they add one of these to the molten metal. Add flux to the brass before melting to ensure a cleaner, higher-quality result. Flux is a critical component of the refining process, so that analogy is May 4, 2022 · Borates are essential, cost-effective additives that provide multiple benefits when used in metalworking fluid formulations. And you would see that as it happens- the metal ceases to have the beautiful rainbow coloured refraction patterns on top, and you can visually see the metal turn dull and "crumbly" looking. The proper connectors must be used – approved for copper to aluminum connections – and antioxidant compounds. | Smelting Fluxes Feb 29, 2012 · I stumbled (literally, I was using stumbleupon) across a video on youtube that claims to show how you can extract gold using borax. most of the results I get are about it lowering the melting point of gold, but I'm not using gold. Let’s jump right in and talk about what borax does for your melts, why it does it, and some other uses and alternative compounds! Borax vs. If you see impurities on top after your silver has melted fully, add a bit more and then carefully scrape the trash off the top and pour. zmecve irrx yjhfkv ncqmvfmm due dtncvm mfbiqk qhp lsf ykymmd pouq yijpdqrgl ach xfbn pvceg