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AR15.COM
3/26/2016 8:08:31 AM EDT
Anyone know of a good source for scrap brass?  I just got a smelting furnace built and there are a few projects I'd like to cast out of brass, but I just can't bring myself to throw any reload able brass in the smelter.  I have talked to a couple of plumbers who will keep me in mind for whatever they come across, but they say the don't get much anymore.
3/26/2016 8:37:28 AM EDT
[#1]
Where do you live?
3/26/2016 8:42:27 AM EDT
[#2]
Tell me more about this smelting furnace.

I've been shopping for one lately.

td
3/26/2016 8:51:47 AM EDT
[#3]
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Quoted:
Where do you live?
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Athens/Atlanta
3/26/2016 8:57:07 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
Tell me more about this smelting furnace.

I've been shopping for one lately.

td
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It was built out of a standard 20 lb propane tank.  The top was cut off just below the radius and a 4" hole was cut into it for a top vent.  There is a burner I built out of plumbing fittings that was incredibly easy to make and very effective.   All in, I have $150 a $175 in it.  That is including a $80 clay graphite crucible.

If you are looking to smelt precious metals, you could do so with my rig but the proportions would be a bit much.  You could build one out of a paint can to do that at a fraction of the price.
3/26/2016 9:16:04 AM EDT
[#5]
What does Yellow brass sell for these days?
3/26/2016 9:59:47 AM EDT
[#6]
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What does Yellow brass sell for these days?
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Clean yellow brass goes for a little under $1.25 a pound.  Dirty goes for .75¢ +/-.
3/26/2016 10:39:54 AM EDT
[#7]
Pics of furnace?

I've got a propane tank I wanna make a forge out of.
3/26/2016 10:47:01 AM EDT
[#8]
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Quoted:
Pics of furnace?

I've got a propane tank I wanna make a forge out of.
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I'll get one in a couple days.  There are many iterations of what I've built on YouTube.  Just search propane tank smelting furnace.
3/26/2016 11:18:01 AM EDT
[#9]
I know.so many designs I don't know which to use!
3/26/2016 1:11:55 PM EDT
[#10]
Honestly I am not happy with mine.  It will work for now, but I want to go bigger.  I also want to use real castable refractory cement.  I used a home made mix that I hear will not hold up.

Anyone know where I can buy some KS-4 or Kast-o-lite 30 locally?

I think I am going to make my next one out of an old keg or maybe a 55 gallon drum.
3/26/2016 5:13:17 PM EDT
[#11]
I have part of a 5 gallon bucket full of scrap brass . Berdan , not reloadable , etc
3/26/2016 8:46:27 PM EDT
[#12]
I'll check with a couple of friends that may be running brass components on cnc's.....it is AMAZING how much scrap is generated over an 8 hour shift if running brass components.....we have to empty the chip cans 2 or 3 times a day when running barrels. How much you looking for poundage wise? I have one possible source for bar ends of hex stock that are too small to chuck and still make the part they are running.....
3/26/2016 9:36:14 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:
I'll check with a couple of friends that may be running brass components on cnc's.....it is AMAZING how much scrap is generated over an 8 hour shift if running brass components.....we have to empty the chip cans 2 or 3 times a day when running barrels. How much you looking for poundage wise? I have one possible source for bar ends of hex stock that are too small to chuck and still make the part they are running.....
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That would be awesome!  That would work particularly well, being that it would be relatively free of impurities.
3/26/2016 9:37:58 PM EDT
[#14]
Thanks everyone for the IMs.  I've gotten a few leads today and I will get back with everyone soon.
3/27/2016 12:17:26 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:


That would be awesome!  That would work particularly well, being that it would be relatively free of impurities.
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View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I'll check with a couple of friends that may be running brass components on cnc's.....it is AMAZING how much scrap is generated over an 8 hour shift if running brass components.....we have to empty the chip cans 2 or 3 times a day when running barrels. How much you looking for poundage wise? I have one possible source for bar ends of hex stock that are too small to chuck and still make the part they are running.....


That would be awesome!  That would work particularly well, being that it would be relatively free of impurities.


what kind of weight are you looking for.....?
3/27/2016 8:44:43 AM EDT
[#16]
I would think 50 pounds - 75 pounds would keep me in business for a long time.  That being said, whatever is convenient.
3/27/2016 9:33:18 AM EDT
[#17]
I don't know how challenging it would be but  i know folks hoard copper pennies. Not sure if you simply melt with zinc to make brass or if there is more to it.  I recall the copper pennies were worth 3-4 cents. They are closer to face value now.

http://www.pennysorter.com/
3/27/2016 6:50:08 PM EDT
[#18]
I have probably  2 or so pounds of spent primers and damagedno reloadable cases if you want them