Start metal casting
Melt scrap metal in a small backyard foundry and pour it into molds to make ingots and simple castings. Here's the video that hooks everyone, and everything you need for your first casting.
Space neededOutdoors, on dirt or sand
First projectAluminum ingots in a day
Skill levelBeginner, with strict safety
Good forAdults who like to tinker
The video that hooks everyone
Building a mini metal foundry
A steel bucket, a heat-proof lining and an air pipe become a small foundry that glows hot enough to melt metal. Press play and see why it hooks people.
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Tool list
What you need to start
Everything you need for your first project, and nothing you don't.
Starter kit
01Small foundryA ready-made kit, or build one like in the video.
02Clay-graphite crucibleThe pot the metal melts in. Sized to your foundry.
03Crucible tongsGrip the crucible firmly to lift it and pour.
04Charcoal + blowerFuel, and the air that makes it hot enough.
05Steel ingot moldYour first mold. Warm it up before every pour.
06Steel skimmerLifts the crusty dross off the melted metal.
07Leather gloves + bootsWelding gloves and leather boots. No synthetics.
08Face shield + safety glassesGlasses under a full shield, every single pour.
09Bucket of dry sandPour over it, and smother any spill.
The manual tells you what to look for when you buy each one.
- 1Anything damp near the meltWater under molten metal turns to steam instantly and throws metal. Preheat molds and tools, and keep everything bone-dry.
- 2Pouring over concreteConcrete holds moisture and can burst when hot metal lands on it. Pour over dry sand on bare dirt.
- 3Melting the wrong scrapGalvanized, painted or plastic-coated metal gives off toxic smoke. Melt clean, bare aluminum only.
