In this week’s Rolling Mill Mini Series post I wanted to show off how to use your mill to create your own sheet and wire from your scraps. Can I just mention, I am completely new to this process and am not an expert. This was my first ever attempt at making an ingot and rolling it out 💪😅First I weighed out my clean scrap (no solder) if you want to use scrap that has solder in the mix it was advised to me to add 50% clean metal - casting grain is a great, because its easy to measure and melt! You will need an ingot mold. Being the amateur I am, I ordered one with multiple “strip” options. So mine makes skinnier ingots which translates a bit better to wire and sheets that are narrower. I will likely buy another ingot mold which is more appropriate for creating wider sheet, just so I have the option! You want to use a release spray on the ingot mold, I used “Metallon Ingot Mold Release Spray” Your metal will get heated in a crucible, you will want to season a new crucible with a tsp of borax. When heating the borax for the first time be careful not to hit it with a massive flame (it will blow everywhere, ask me how I know 🤦♀️) Once your metal is molten, apply heat to your mold so you aren’t pouring into cold steel! Then I poured the metal into the mold. From there you start rolling! Anneal, roll 2-4 times with the metal facing the same direction between every anneal. I’m not going to sit here and say this isn’t a labor intensive process because I would be lying. HOWEVER recycling metal is an awesome thing and can be worth it in many instances! If a customer gives you metal or an old piece they want you to remake you can use this process. When you melt down your own scrap you save money you would have given to the refinery (they typically take 10-20%) If you have a combo mill like I do you will be able to create ALL THE WIRE. If you have old pieces that never sold and want to melt them down instead of investing more money into your business, you can melt and roll em’
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@pepetools_usa mill with code METALSMITH ($525 for the 130 combo mill $495 for the 130 flat) 💃🏼⚡️😁
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