I built a "Sidearm" self-aspirated burner just for the hell of it. Might use it to melt some aluminum and/or brass, and for larger heating tasks. It was worth doing just to see and hear it work. It's a pretty impressive propane torch. It runs well at gas pressures from 5 to 30 PSI, probably higher once I get a choke made for it.
sidearm burner
Jul 07, 2005
5 Replies
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Any ideas how much aluminium it will melt within a reasonable time?
Nick
Not yet. That would depend a lot on what sort of enclosure is used to contain the heat.
Any plans to test it? And to keep us updated?
Oh! ;-)
Nick
It seems to work OK with up to an .055 orifice (#54 drill). Once I get a choke made and make tongs and a pouring shank, I'll see how it does with a small (#3 or #6) crucible of aluminum surrounded by firebricks.
May take me a while, it being fishin' season and all, but I'll report my findings.
.....and you can also get a 30 second steak ! ! Ken.
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