Mystery bronze

Home enthusiasts discuss their Foundry & Casting work.

Moderator: Harold_V

DavidF
Posts: 282
Joined: Wed May 14, 2014 12:28 pm
Location: Delaware

Re: Mystery bronze

Post by DavidF »

I work for a municipal water company that replaces these meters every so many years. Over the past 5 years we have been switching to " smart meters" fitted with radio transmitters.
The old meters are sorted andvsold for scrap. All the meteres, even the larger 4" ones we thought might be bronze were just red brass. Some of the larger meters did have some sort of plating/ finish on them that made them look different but they too were just red brass.
I would have been very happy if they were bronze..

White hot you say?? Now I'm curious to see what happens when red brass is taken to such a high temp....
jscarmozza
Posts: 599
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 5:09 pm

Re: Mystery bronze

Post by jscarmozza »

I think we know...it turns to dry ashy dross. Crap, I may be remaking a bunch of bushings! Explains why it machined so well. Thanks David, it's not the answer I wanted but at least I know what it is now.
John
DavidF
Posts: 282
Joined: Wed May 14, 2014 12:28 pm
Location: Delaware

Re: Mystery bronze

Post by DavidF »

This is a pretty much perfect temp for brass, judging by color.
I've found it a bit tricky to " guess" the temp by color in the past and have the unfortunate tendency to be a bit cold...
This pour was just about perfect. I used Matt casting flux from Riogrande..
Attachments
SmartSelect_20200524-105622_YouTube.jpg
jscarmozza
Posts: 599
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 5:09 pm

Re: Mystery bronze

Post by jscarmozza »

Based on the color I was a lot hotter. I wonder why it burned to all dross and not just concentrated copper?
Thanks. John
Post Reply