Submitted by: Kent Klein

Brass is a great metal to cast with as it can provide some really great looking results. Many believe that brass, an alloy of zinc and copper, has been around since our prehistoric ancestors. Today brass is used for a multitude of products from coins to trumpets not to mention a whole bunch of other musical instruments.

The low melting point makes brass a really great material for metal casting since even the smaller home grown furnaces can be used. By adding and subtracting alloys from bronze one can successfully make hard or soft bronzes. Aluminum and tin are sometimes added to bronze to create a layer that is not corrosive and very durable. Of course, for the home foundry users, playing alchemist isn’t really an option or necessary and scrap brass is perfectly acceptable in many cases. Locating scrap pieces of brass should be sufficient enough for whatever project you have in mind. Due to brass’ gleam and yellow shine, many artists will use the alloy for sculptures, jewelry, and other decorative items. Other metal casters may choose to use brass for general hardware needs or vintage car restoration, and of course, whatever else they may choose.

Generally there are three casting methods that prove to be suitable for brass casting. Metal casters may choose to experiment with different methods and should not allow themselves to be limited.

Lost Wax casting is usually associated with bronze casting but can also be used for brass and for really any other metal. By using a wax model and covering it with a ceramic shell, artisans are able to inject the molten alloy which replaces the wax. Chipping away the shell will reveal the brass piece. Lost wax casting is used when a high attention to detail is needed. Artists or metal casters looking to create decorative brass pieces or sculptures will find that the lost wax casting technique will meet their needs far better than other techniques and methods.

Die casting is yet another method used for brass casting. Die casting is normally used in commercial foundries since the initial start up cost is undesirable for the smaller home foundries. By using a reusable mold created from steel, the caster will be able to create scores of identical products. Die casting with brass should be used if the caster or artists is planning to make multiples of one product and can find a viable market for those pieces.

Sand casting is probably the oldest type of casting and is still a popular method especially for small foundries. The brass is poured into sand molds and can create a unique look which may be preferred for the artisans. Sand casting tends to be the most economically sensible for small foundries and if the casting does not have to be incredibly attractive then this method is preferable for many.

Whichever casting method is used for casting the brass really depends on the individual. Many find that casting brass to be fun and easy since it does melt rather easily. A large expensive furnace is not a requirement when casting brass so first timers using small home made furnaces will find this alloy attractive. Many have even been able to melt brass in small ceramic pots using charcoal!

Some ideas of what to make with brass include candle holders, plumbing fixtures, and even musical instruments.

About the Author: Go to Metal Casting Zone to get your free ebook on Metal Casting at

Metal Casting

. Metal Casting Zone also has

Brass Casting

Forum,

Brass Foundry

Blog and a Metal Casting Blog with daily news on Metal Casting. You can Find Metal Casting Zone at www.metalcastingzone.com.

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=261454&ca=Computers+and+Technology

By Mary Braun

Ok, so youve worked tirelessly around the clock to create the perfect Christmas atmosphere for your guests as you await their arrival. You have hung all of the decorations, the Christmas dinner is all but ready to be eaten, and youve checked your gift list up and down to make sure that all gifts are accounted for. Your guests begin to arrive and something occurs that you simply did not conceive would be a problem. Someone you overlooked or someone who simply was not on your gift list turns up with one of your guests. Your first instinct is to panic and frantically scour the house for something that you may be able to put together as a list minute gift. Lets stop this whole scenario before you create that crudely put together gift and rewind a bit to help you get yourself out of this unexpected jam.

Lets go back to the time when you were shopping for the others on your list. After you have everything covered and everyone that you expect to arrive is checked off of your list, your shopping experience is not quite over yet. Were going to need some materials that will cover any unexpected visitor that could possibly walk through your door. Naturally the gift will not be perfect, but it can at least seem as if you planned on them being there rather than quickly wrapping whatever you have lying around the house that you think may suit them. First lets pick up a gift card or two to some restaurants or national department stores that you enjoy shopping at. If the unexpected guest never shows up, the spare gift isnt wasted. It can be used for a future birthday or anniversary gift, or even saved for yourself.

While were at it, a few nice candles and a non-gender oriented gift basket are a nice idea to purchase as well. A nice bottle of wine paired with a sinful box of chocolates makes a nice gift basket for anyone. And if you never have to give it away during the holiday season, you can indulge in it yourself. You may need a couple of toys that will suit either or a boy or girl may also be necessary, say a cleaver looking piggy bank or a silver plated yoyo. Maybe even a harmonica which is far less annoying than a drum!

Now all we have to do is make sure that we have a little bit of extra wrap and gift tags on hand, and we are ready to tackle whatever problems may arise. Fast forward to the party, and there they are, walking through your door, that unexpected guest that previously could have put you in a state of desperation will not upset you. All thats left to do now is excuse yourself for just a moment while you quickly and easily prepare a gift that will make it seem as if you were well prepared for any scenario, which after all, you were. That unexpected guest will be impressed with your thoughtfulness and remember your holiday party for years to come.

About the Author: Impress an unexpected guest by having extra

Christmas gifts

around to make them feel welcome at your party. Wealthwood Gifts has an abundance of personalized gifts to choose from. Free ground shipping on orders over $50. Article Source: Ways to Avoid Dilemmas with Last Minute

Christmas Gifts

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=432467&ca=Etiquette