Rather than working on one-off items, even a hobbyist can create her own line of production jewelry. This can be accomplished by casting the shape of an object, such as an acorn, in silver and then producing a mold to mass-produce the item. Using a propane torch, melt down bits and pieces of silver wire, filings, old earring wires, and even full pieces of sterling silver jewelry.
If you wish to melt little pieces of jewelry, a kitchen blowtorch will suffice. Otherwise, a standard torch, such as those offered in DIY stores, must be used.
To refuel the torch, we use butane (sold in supermarkets refills for lighters or torches).
If you want to melt silver jewelry waste to produce a nugget, just make a small pile in the centre of the block and burn it with the torch.
The blue tint of the flame implies a temperature of around 1200 degrees Celsius, while pure silver melts at 962 degrees. Because our jewels aren’t completely pure and contain a small amount of copper, their melting temperature is a little lower.
Silver melts into a molten ball that bonds easily with other molten silver balls. Pliers will also come in handy for handling the still-hot silver balls.
This technique is summarized in the following video (fr):
As a result of the combustion leftovers mixing with the molten silver, we acquire a dark gray silver nugget.
Is it possible to melt silver using propane?
Using a propane torch, melt down bits and pieces of silver wire, filings, old earring wires, and even full pieces of sterling silver jewelry.
What is the maximum temperature a propane torch can reach?
The highest temperature of an air-fed torch is roughly 2,000 C. (3,600 F). A typical primary flame, on the other hand, will only reach temperatures of 1,100 C (2,000 F) to 1,250 C. (2,250 F). Oxygen-fueled torches may reach temperatures of up to 2,550 degrees Celsius (4,600 F).
Is it worthwhile to melt silver?
Some people have also discovered that their metals, such as silver flatware, are worth more when melted down than when they are whole. Before anyone goes out and buys a silver chest, keep in mind that this is about sterling. In most patterns, silver plate is nearly unsellable.
When it comes to melting silver, what does borax do?
When employed in the melting of gold and silver, borax aids in the dissolution of oxides and other impurities, resulting in a fluid borate slag that forms on the molten metal’s surface. A carbon-graphite or clay rod is used to remove the slag on a regular basis.
Is it possible to melt gold with a propane torch?
Many people enjoy melting it down and creating their own golden works of art. Gold can be melted with a regular propane torch because it has a reasonably low melting point for a metal. Gold can be melted and poured into molds to harden, or pounded into thin strips with a mallet.