We attempeted to make a cast brass sign at the weekend the first attempt was the most sucsesfull but we think we had a mixture of brass and bronze
The second attempt we think we had mainly brass
Attempt number one seemed to have a better finish than just the brass alone
My question can you melt brass and bronze toghether does it matter if not how can you tell them apart?
Cheers
Marcus
Brass And bronze?
Moderator: Harold_V
Re: Brass And bronze?
Great question. I'd appreciate knowing the answer on this one. I've been fairly lucky with the pocket knife scrape test (Orange=bronze, Yellow=brass), but would like something a little more positive.
Greg B.
Greg B.
When the man at the door said, "Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms," I naturally assumed it was a delivery.....
"From my cold, dead hand!" C. Heston
"From my cold, dead hand!" C. Heston
Re: Brass And bronze?
This is a bit like saying, which is better, beef or pork? There are so many different alloys of bronze and brass as to make the question almost meaningless. Common brass is about 30-40% zinc, and is very yellow. But there also are other brasses that are red. Aluminum bronze is pretty yellow, too. What is the source of the scrap you are melting? Any of these can be melted together. If your requirements are not stringent, what does it matter? If they are, you better use ingot metal of known composition.
Surface finish has more to do with the sand you are using, how well it is compacted, moisture level, and the temperature of the metal when poured, in my experience. Coarse sand, loosely packed sand, too wet, and/or high melt temperatures make for rougher finish. Fine sand, well packed, without too much moisture, and the metal not overheated makes for better finish. You can also coat the mold to get a better finish.
Surface finish has more to do with the sand you are using, how well it is compacted, moisture level, and the temperature of the metal when poured, in my experience. Coarse sand, loosely packed sand, too wet, and/or high melt temperatures make for rougher finish. Fine sand, well packed, without too much moisture, and the metal not overheated makes for better finish. You can also coat the mold to get a better finish.
Dan Watson
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, TN
- steamin10
- Posts: 6712
- Joined: Sun Jun 08, 2003 11:52 pm
- Location: NW Indiana. Close to Lake Michigan S. tip
Re: Brass And bronze?
Pockets and Fender both have it right. You cant get but an educated guess on scraps. Bearing brasses and bronzes will mix and do OK. But if you want to make Bells or Marine parts, you will have to revert to ingot for known alloys, and physical qualities. It is where I bump my head when casting.
Big Dave, former Millwright, Electrician, Environmental conditioning, and back yard Fixxit guy. Now retired, persuing boats, trains, and broken relics.
We have enough youth, how about a fountain of Smart. My computer beat me at chess, but not kickboxing
It is not getting caught in the rain, its learning to dance in it. People saying good morning, should have to prove it.
We have enough youth, how about a fountain of Smart. My computer beat me at chess, but not kickboxing
It is not getting caught in the rain, its learning to dance in it. People saying good morning, should have to prove it.
Re: Brass And bronze?
Here is the ultimate authority on brass and bronze if you can afford it. In January 1997, I paid $52.50 for my 1st. edition copy. There may be used copies available, I would do a search.
https://webportal.afsinc.org/Purchase/P ... 5056834d9b
https://webportal.afsinc.org/Purchase/P ... 5056834d9b
Re: Brass And bronze?
Here is another source of info on brass & bronze alloys:
http://www.anchorbronze.com/alloydatabase.htm
Skip down to the section on "Cast" alloys. There are eleven categories. Open up the Tin-Bronze list. There are ten different alloys just for tin-bronze!
http://www.anchorbronze.com/alloydatabase.htm
Skip down to the section on "Cast" alloys. There are eleven categories. Open up the Tin-Bronze list. There are ten different alloys just for tin-bronze!
Dan Watson
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, TN