Brian Hochstrat
Elite Cafe Member
Being I work quite a bit in colored golds, I have given thought for quite a while to alloying my own, so not to be limited by a suppliers palette of colors. So I have decided to make the jump. I have an idea of how it is done, but not 100% sure, being I have never actually done it or have even seen it done. So I figured you goldsmiths out there could get me on the right track.
So here is my plan, supplies and the questions in that plan.
Crucible and tongs
rolling mill and draw plate
oxy/acetylene torch
ingot mold
Ok from what I understand you weigh out your mix and put it in the crucible and heat(when melting the gold, do you use direct heat or indirect or both? also do you use any kind of flux to prevent oxides from forming or is that an issue? On the torch what type of flame is better, as in carbonizing/oxidizing/normal?)
Then you pour it into the mold, (do you have to prep or preheat the mold in any way to achieve a good flow? Is there any special method used to pour the gold to reduce porosity?)
Next pull gold out of mold and roll and draw into the desired shape.(I use a draw plate a lot, but have not yet received my rolling mill so I have never run one. They look pretty straight forward, but is there anything tricky I should know?)
So as you can see I have only a basic understanding about what I want to attempt, so any advice, tips, tricks or links to that info, would be most helpful and much appreciated. Brian
So here is my plan, supplies and the questions in that plan.
Crucible and tongs
rolling mill and draw plate
oxy/acetylene torch
ingot mold
Ok from what I understand you weigh out your mix and put it in the crucible and heat(when melting the gold, do you use direct heat or indirect or both? also do you use any kind of flux to prevent oxides from forming or is that an issue? On the torch what type of flame is better, as in carbonizing/oxidizing/normal?)
Then you pour it into the mold, (do you have to prep or preheat the mold in any way to achieve a good flow? Is there any special method used to pour the gold to reduce porosity?)
Next pull gold out of mold and roll and draw into the desired shape.(I use a draw plate a lot, but have not yet received my rolling mill so I have never run one. They look pretty straight forward, but is there anything tricky I should know?)
So as you can see I have only a basic understanding about what I want to attempt, so any advice, tips, tricks or links to that info, would be most helpful and much appreciated. Brian