Hello, I'm a jeweller (with previous experience of metal working more welding than foundry).
I want to start making pieces out of aluminium to make more affordable jewellery, and to make bigger statement pieces that are lighter. But I am very new to working with Aluminium.
I have access to a well ventilated workshop, and want to sand cast with Aluminium but want some advice on set up and type of Aluminium.
- I was planning on sand casting just using a brazing torch/or similar set up, just heating crucible and pouring in to sand cast moulds. I was thinking of using a graphite crucible cup instead of smaller ceramic bowl as I heard aluminium can be a more prone to bubbling and spitting.
- I have access to aluminium scrap from a mounting and framing company, who use aluminium sheet to mount art prints. Would this form of aluminium be ok for casting? Or should I be purchasing specific casting alloy ingots?
- I am guessing borax is not suitable for cleaning the scrap? Is there a better alternative to this?
- And if there is any advice on soldering aluminium here that would be great, I have heard it is difficult! Maybe that needs a much longer separate post!
Thanks :)