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Brass
is a great metal to cast with as it can provide some really great looking
results.  By adding and subtracting alloys from bronze one can
successfully make hard or soft bronzes.

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.

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Tags: alloys, artisans, brass piece, bronze casting, ceramic shell, coins, furnaces, gleam, home foundry, melting point, metal casters, molten alloy, multitude, prehistoric ancestors, scrap brass, scrap pieces, sculptures, vintage car restoration, wax model, zinc

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