Brass Foundry Tips and All About Brass Casting
Brass is a great metal to cast with as it can provide some really great looking results. Many believe that brass, an alloy of zinc and copper, has been around since our prehistoric ancestors. Today brass is used for a multitude of products from coins to trumpets not to mention a whole bunch of other musical instruments.
The low melting point makes brass a really great material for metal casting since even the smaller home grown furnaces can be used. By adding and subtracting alloys from bronze one can successfully make hard or soft bronzes. Aluminum and tin are sometimes added to bronze to create a layer that is not corrosive and very durable. Of course, for the home foundry users, playing alchemist isn't really an option or necessary and scrap brass is perfectly acceptable in many cases. Locating scrap pieces of brass should be sufficient enough for whatever project you have in mind. Due to brass' gleam and yellow shine, many artists will use the alloy for sculptures, jewelry, and other decorative items. Other metal casters may choose to use brass for general hardware needs or vintage car restoration, and of course, whatever else they may choose.
Generally there are three casting methods that prove to be suitable for brass casting. Metal casters may choose to experiment with different methods and should not allow themselves to be limited.
Lost Wax casting is usually associated with bronze casting but can also be used for brass and for really any other metal. By using a wax model and covering it with a ceramic shell, artisans are able to inject the molten alloy which replaces the wax. Chipping away the shell will reveal the brass piece. Lost wax casting is used when a high attention to detail is needed. Artists or metal casters looking to create decorative brass pieces or sculptures will find that the lost wax casting technique will meet their needs far better than other techniques and methods.
Die casting is yet another method used for brass casting. Die casting is normally used in commercial foundries since the initial start up cost is undesirable for the smaller home foundries. By using a reusable mold created from steel, the caster will be able to create scores of identical products. Die casting with brass should be used if the caster or artists is planning to make multiples of one product and can find a viable market for those pieces.
Sand casting is probably the oldest type of casting and is still a popular method especially for small foundries. The brass is poured into sand molds and can create a unique look which may be preferred for the artisans. Sand casting tends to be the most economically sensible for small foundries and if the casting does not have to be incredibly attractive then this method is preferable for many.
Whichever casting method is used for casting the brass really depends on the individual. Many find that casting brass to be fun and easy since it does melt rather easily. A large expensive furnace is not a requirement when casting brass so first timers using small home made furnaces will find this alloy attractive. Many have even been able to melt brass in small ceramic pots using charcoal!
Some ideas of what to make with brass include candle holders, plumbing fixtures, and even musical instruments.
About the Author
Go to Metal Casting Zone to get your free ebook on Metal Casting at http://www.metalcastingzone.com. Metal Casting Zone also has a Metal Casting Forum, Metal Casting Information, and a Metal Casting Blog that can all be found at http://www.metalcastingzone.com. Go to http://www.metalcastingzone.com to see the latest information on Metal Casting that has been added.
I am desperate to find a VINTAGE ELECTRIC HORLICKS MILKSHAKE MIXER. WILL PAY GOOD MONEY.?
This item is from the 1950s and would have been used in cafes.It is cream/white enameled Cast Iron with the HORLICKS logo on a red or white background sitting on the top. Some are illuminated. I will pay good money for one so please help. Thank you.
Hey, I live in Racine, WI where the Horlick Co. Started. We actually have a High School names after it (Horlick High) and a baseball/football field (Horlick Field) that was used by the Racine Bells to play other WMLB (ever see the move A League of Their Own?)
Anyway, I live about 5 blocks from our local museum and they have several of the Horlick products on display. I never looked into seeing if there were any just laying around.
I think this is a pretty interesting question, I would be more than happy to help you try to find one from here! I think you should be able to contact me from Answers. I will check back on this one...
 |
 Kuhn Rikon Hotpan Stockpot 5 Quart Orange 30703 thermal cookware brand new $149.99 Time Remaining: 31m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 QVC Tea Server Ball 2 1 2 Cup Tea Brewer NEVER USED $9.99 Time Remaining: 32m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 8 Eclution Aluminum Non Stick Fry Pan PFOA Free $11.99 Time Remaining: 36m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 Todd English Hard Anodized GreenPan 3QT CASSEROLE w LID $34.98 Time Remaining: 36m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 |
 NIB MAUVIEL HAMMERED COPPER FISH POACHER W LIDGRID 24 BRAND NEW IN BOX 950 $649.00 Time Remaining: 36m Buy It Now for only: $649.00 |
 Calphalon Unison 10 Skillet Omelette Pan Brand New Nonstick Slide $60.00 Time Remaining: 37m Buy It Now for only: $60.00 |
 95 Eclution Aluminum Non Stick Fry Pan PFOA Free $14.99 Time Remaining: 37m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 11 Eclution Aluminum Non Stick Fry Pan PFOA Free $16.99 Time Remaining: 40m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 Cuisinart 55 11R Advantage Non Stick 11 Piece Cookware Set $99.95 Time Remaining: 40m Buy It Now for only: $99.95 |
 New Pyrex 18cm Granate Non Stick Frying Pan Professional Quality $23.44 Time Remaining: 41m Buy It Now for only: $23.44 |
 Kuhn Rikon HotPan 3 Liter Casserole black thermal cookware 30722 brand new $129.99 Time Remaining: 41m Buy It Now for only: $129.99 |
 Lodge Logic Skillet 12 $9.99 Time Remaining: 42m |
 Emile Henry Flame Top 63 Quart Oval Stew Pot RED $164.99 Time Remaining: 43m Buy It Now for only: $164.99 |
 2Qt Eclution Aluminum Non Stick Saucepan PFOA Free $13.99 Time Remaining: 44m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 |
 Cooking with Calphalon Stainless Steel 8 Omelet Pan 1388 Gently used $20.69 Time Remaining: 46m Buy It Now for only: $20.69 |
 LUSTRE CRAFT West Bend WATERLESS Stainless Cookware Set Pots Pan Skillet SET USA $899.95 Time Remaining: 46m Buy It Now for only: $899.95 |
 13 Piece TRU CHEF Tri Ply Copper Cookware Set $29.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 46m |
 New Pyrex 28cm Granate Non Stick Frying Pan Professional Quality $42.26 Time Remaining: 46m Buy It Now for only: $42.26 |
 Lifetime Brands Towle 20pc Luxor Flatware Set Cookware $42.72 Time Remaining: 48m Buy It Now for only: $42.72 |
 Berndes SignoCast 11 Stir Fry Pan NEW $59.95 Time Remaining: 48m Buy It Now for only: $59.95 |
 8 pc Ecolution Aluminum Non Stick Cookware PFOA Free $79.99 Time Remaining: 49m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 |
 10 x PREMIUM GRADE FLEXIBLE NON STICK REUSABLE Baking Sheet LINERS 400mm x 800mm $99.00 Time Remaining: 50m Buy It Now for only: $99.00 |
 8 Piece Calphalon Unison Nonstick Cookware Set $202.63 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 51m |
 Heavy Duty Chilean Fantuzzi Copper Pot Lid VINTAGE Pan Chile Pot $224.15 Time Remaining: 52m Buy It Now for only: $224.15 |
 8 Black Aluminum Non Stick Fry Pan PFOA Free $11.99 Time Remaining: 53m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 Cooking with Calphalon Stainless Steel 1 Qt Sauce Pan 8701 Gently used $17.99 Time Remaining: 53m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 Princess House Mini Whisk $8.50 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 53m |
 Denmark 2 quart 19 liter Double Boiler NEW Stainless Steel 3 piece $6.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 54m |
 95 Black Aluminum Non Stick Fry Pan PFOA Free $14.99 Time Remaining: 55m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 1990 Wilton 4 Little Hearts Cake Pan Aluminum $11.17 Time Remaining: 56m Buy It Now for only: $11.17 |
 11 Black Aluminum Non Stick Fry Pan PFOA Free $18.99 Time Remaining: 57m Buy It Now for only: $18.99 |
 Progressive International Stainless Steel Roasting Pan 1425 IN $35.12 Time Remaining: 58m Buy It Now for only: $35.12 |
 3 MAGNETIC CANISTERS $11.55 Time Remaining: 58m Buy It Now for only: $11.55 |
 Regency Evenbake Cake Strips Standard $13.12 Time Remaining: 58m Buy It Now for only: $13.12 |
 7pc STAINLESS STEEL STAINLESS STEEL ENCAPSULED COVERED POTS FRY PAN COOKWARE SET $43.95 Time Remaining: 59m Buy It Now for only: $43.95 |
 PALM RESTAURANT STAINLESS STEEL 15 MEGA COVERED PAN WITH BUFFET HANDLES NEW $29.00 Time Remaining: 59m |
 125Grande Black Aluminum Non Stick Fry Pan PFOA Free $22.99 Time Remaining: 1h 2m Buy It Now for only: $22.99 |
 8 Frying Pan Aluminum Food Service Restaurant Fry NSF $11.38 Time Remaining: 1h 4m Buy It Now for only: $11.38 |
 2 Qt Black Aluminum Non Stick Saucepan PFOA Free $17.99 Time Remaining: 1h 5m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 11 Black Aluminum Non Stick Griddle PFOA Free $18.99 Time Remaining: 1h 8m Buy It Now for only: $18.99 |
 14 Non Stick Frying Pan Food Service Restaurant Fry $26.43 Time Remaining: 1h 9m Buy It Now for only: $26.43 |
 12 Non Stick Frying Pan Food Service Restaurant Fry $21.12 Time Remaining: 1h 10m Buy It Now for only: $21.12 |
 8 Non Stick Frying Pan Food Service Restaurant Fry $11.58 Time Remaining: 1h 11m Buy It Now for only: $11.58 |
 NEW Imusa Steamer Pot Aluminum 32 Quart 2DaysShip $34.99 Time Remaining: 1h 12m Buy It Now for only: $34.99 |
 TODD ENGLISH STAINLESSSTEEL GreenPan 3QT CASSEROLE wLID $34.99 Time Remaining: 1h 13m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 BRIOCHE TIN BRIOCH mould fluted cake tins 22cm NONSTICK $23.51 Time Remaining: 1h 13m Buy It Now for only: $23.51 |
 7 Non Stick Frying Pan Food Service Restaurant Fry $10.26 Time Remaining: 1h 14m Buy It Now for only: $10.26 |
 Range Kleen 10 25 Quart Fry Pan with Quantum Nonstick Coating CW2018R $28.99 Time Remaining: 1h 19m Buy It Now for only: $28.99 |
 Frieling Sitram Profiserie Stainless Steel 11 Frying Pan A20218 $75.99 Time Remaining: 1h 20m Buy It Now for only: $75.99 |
 FRENCH WHITE With Blue Swirl 25 Qt 15 Liter F 1 B With Lid Casserole $9.99 Time Remaining: 1h 20m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 The Double Sided Silicone Macarons Mat Macaroons Cookie Baking Sheet Bakeware $20.37 Time Remaining: 1h 21m Buy It Now for only: $20.37 |
 5 x PREMIUM GRADE FLEXIBLE NON STICK REUSABLE BAKING SHEET LINERS 400mm x 900mm $58.07 Time Remaining: 1h 22m Buy It Now for only: $58.07 |
 Revere Ware 6 Quart Stock Pot w Lid Clinton ILL 92j Excellent Condition $15.99 Time Remaining: 1h 23m |
 Woll Cookware Logic 8 Fry Pan 520LC $64.99 Time Remaining: 1h 23m Buy It Now for only: $64.99 |
 Ragalta 3 Piece Fry Pan Set RCW 015 $26.99 Time Remaining: 1h 23m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 Woll Cookware Diamond Best 15 Fry Pan 38GD $274.99 Time Remaining: 1h 24m Buy It Now for only: $274.99 |
 MULTI 7 TIER PINK TOWER CUP CAKE PARTY CUPCAKE STAND $62.71 Time Remaining: 1h 30m Buy It Now for only: $62.71 |
 |
EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale, Silver List Price: Sale Price: $25.00 You save: $9.95 (28%)  |
 |
Presto 04820 PopLite hot air popper List Price: Sale Price: $15.75 You save: $14.24 (47%) |
 |
Cuisinart CSB-76BC SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender, Brushed Chrome List Price: Sale Price: $29.95 You save: $35.05 (54%) |
 |
Lodge Logic L10SK3 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet List Price: Sale Price: $20.95 You save: $6.55 (24%) |
 |
Wilton 570-1121 Easy Flex 3-Piece Silicone Spatula Set, Blue List Price: Sale Price: $5.91 You save: $4.08 (41%) |
 |
Nesco FD-75PR 700-Watt Food Dehydrator List Price: Sale Price: $55.99 You save: $24.00 (30%) |
 |
Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker List Price: Sale Price: $36.00 You save: $23.99 (40%) |
 |
Silpat Non-Stick Baking Mat, 11 5/8 x 16 1/2-inches, Half Sheet Size List Price: Sale Price: $15.95 You save: $11.04 (41%) |
 |
Cuisinart CPB-300 SmartPower 15-Piece Compact Portable Blending/Chopping System, Black List Price: Sale Price: $42.99 You save: $87.01 (67%) |
 |
Totally Bamboo 20-7930 3-Piece Cutting Board Set Sale Price: $14.95 |
Vintage Cast
Thank You. We hope you found the
Vintage Cast
you were looking for.