| Hi Richard
I use good grade charcoal, not the Tescos stuff as it just dosnt have the body to generate high temperatures.
The charcoal i use is produced localy by a chap that still uses propper charcoal ovens and not tin plate hoppers.
I use two air pipes one to bring the melt to a toffee consistancy and the second only being turned on to get the melt to a poorable temperature.
One good charge of charcoal is enough I just fill the furnace t the top with the pot buried in the middle by the time its burnt half way through its as a rule ready to use.
Iron takes a bit more and a little longer to get to poorable temperature.
If your into getting dirty this really is a great way to spend a weekend with the pattern making and the sanboxes adding a lot to the interest of teh job.
Plus i never have to think about finding castings for odd parts I just make a pattern and cast it.
Cheers kevin |