How's that for a subject line? nooB Ben back with another fundamental question. I'm having consistent issues with picking up O2 in my sterling casts and suspect I'm fluxing up. Dealing with small enough quantities that I melt right on the flask in a cavity I create in the investment before burnout then use steam method to force the metal down the sprue. Can't afford a vacuum and furnace so suggestions to improve using assuming this method are most appreciated.
I am not holding the oxygen rich blue part of the flame in the molten metal and am sprinkling borax on it when molten. I remember now from threads a while ago someone discussing "covering" in flux. How much flux should be used on a 22gr button and at what stage(s), meaning
1.) melt, flux, cast....or2.) melt, flux, re-heat to optimal, cast?
3.) Something else?4.) Is borax vs something like Griffith Casting Flux my issue??
Thanks guys/gals, much appreciated.
=B