Cast Iron
Cast Iron

Iron Casting, Iron Melting, and Iron Furnace Information
Many believe that iron casting is just simply out of reach for small furnaces but this is not the case. While alloys like aluminum are more prevalent in home foundries. Artists and hobbyists have also used brass, bronze, and even iron to fulfill their casting needs.
Industrial foundries commonly use iron for a variety of items like cookware, like cast iron pans, and even bridges. Casting iron provides an easy and effective method of making such large structural pieces and even smaller pieces for around the home.
The most common furnace type used by home foundries is the cupola furnace. The cupola is a basic furnace type that does not need a crucible as it allows the caster to pour the molten metal directly from the furnace into a ladle which is then poured into the mold. Cupola furnaces resemble smoke stacks and can be home made for those with enough confidence and some mechanical know-how to attempt it. The fuels used to heat the metal in a cupola furnace depend on the caster's resources and preference. Many will use propane and some will use coal. There are a select few that will use waste material such as old scraps of metal and the powder at the bottom of bags of barbecue coal to fuel the cupola. For iron many would recommend the use of propane, but there have been some casters that have succeeded with waste material. Don't be afraid to experiment with different fuel types to find the perfect fit for your furnace and need.
Finding a source of iron can be difficult and a trip to the scrap yard might be in order. This is just one of the exciting ventures that metal casting can provide you. After you locate your iron you will need to prepare your mold. This is assuming you have a pattern in mind that you want to cast. If not, then go ahead and figure something out even if it’s a small piece in order to test your iron casting ability. Since sand casting is the most popular casting method you might want to use it for the iron casting especially if you are familiar with the method and not with iron.
After making the sand mold and placing the runner for the molten iron you will melt the metal. The melting point of iron is 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit or about 1538 degree Celsius. Since all metals melt at different temperatures don't be impatient if iron takes longer to melt and don't be surprised if it’s quicker.
When the molten iron is ready you are going to pour some into a ladle and the pour that into the sand mold. The sand mold is held in place by the cope and drag, which is the top and bottom part of the mold. The runners are in place in the mold to allow the molten iron a place to enter. When the iron is cool, remove the cast from the sand carefully and there you have a cast of iron.
As with all metal casts, you will need to follow the appropriate safety steps to avoid any accidents. Accidents with molten metal will always be very painful so make sure you wear gloves, jeans, boots, and a long sleeve shirt. You may also want a Heavy Duty leather apron and a pair of goggles.
Iron casting is a great way to create restoration items or pieces for around the home and even for artistic purposes.
| Cast Iron Hitching Post * Farm Animal Horse Topper * Wild West Memorabilia Decor | US $55.00 | 15m |
| Early Cast Iron ENGLISH SETTER DOOR STOP Hubley? | US $49.95 | 15m |
| CAST IRON "SPANIEL (TAN)" PAPERWEIGHT MADE BY HUBLEY | US $35.00 | 15m |
| Vintage GRISWOLD DOUBLE ZERO 00 BLACK CAST IRON MINI SKILLET ASHTRAY! #570! NR! | US $24.99 | 16m |
| New Cast Iron Tattoo Machine Liner & Shader Gun TM-13 | US $10.49 | 16m |
| Mid century modern huge cast iron jack modernist jax eames era black bookend | US $51.00 | 16m |
| CAST IRON "TERRIER" PAPERWEIGHT MADE BY HUBLEY | US $49.99 | 17m |
| Cast Iron Stove lid handle only Bucks Stove & Range Co.? | US $6.00 | 17m |
| Miniature cast iron coffee grinder | US $5.00 | 19m |
| vintage cast iron miniature black metal and flower wheel barrel | US $14.99 | 19m |
| CAST IRON "FIDO" PAPERWEIGHT MADE BY HUBLEY | US $44.00 | 19m |
| Antique Ornate Cast Iron Shelf Bracket | US $9.99 | 19m |
| Unique Miniature Pulley Lot of 4… cast iron, metal, brass, steel | US $4.99 | 19m |
| GRISWOLD NO. 8 DUTCH-OVEN CAST IRON | US $61.00 | 20m |
| Small Antique Hubley Cast Iron *Boston Terrier* Paperweight Original Paint *NR* | US $237.50 | 20m |
| Vintage Cast Iron Fence Toppers - Tops | US $19.99 | 20m |
| VINTAGE CAST IRON ANGEL PULLING A WHEELBARROW $$$ CUT | US $24.99 | 20m |
| BEAUTIFUL CAST IRON VICTORIAN STYLE OPEN GAZEBO GAZ.11 | US $7,500.00 | 20m |
| LIGHTHOUSE CAST IRON DOOR STOP | US $24.99 | 21m |
| VINTAGE CAST IRON PAINTED ROOSTER | US $4.00 | 21m |
| Antique Cast Iron Garden Urn | US $89.00 | 22m |
| 10 Andersen Cast iron old window sash pulleys | US $9.99 | 22m |
| Banana Room Hydrometer, 1927, Cast Iron | US $39.95 | 22m |
| vintage Champion cast iron diecast motorcycle, estate auction find | US $30.00 | 23m |
| Prewar Hafner Overland Flyer Cast Iron Locomotive and Passenger Car Set | US $142.50 | 23m |
| Vintage Royal Cast Iron Toy Stove, Incomplete, Old, Antique | US $8.99 | 23m |
| D15/D16 D-SERIES T3 T3T4 TURBO CAST IRON MANIFOLD 38MM WASTEGATE FLANGE+GASKET | US $63.98 | 23m |
| Old Cast iron Bean Kettle Marked W.H. No 7 | US $49.78 | 24m |
| LODGE LOGIC 7 CORNSTICK L27C3 CAST IRON PAN NEW | US $12.99 | 24m |
| Griswold Number 8 Cast Iron Tall Base 885 Waffle Iron Slant Writing | US $112.50 | 24m |
| Vintage 1960's Woolworths Woolco Cast Iron Furniture Labels | US $9.99 | 24m |
| LANDERS &FRARY CAST IRON KITCHEN JUICER TOOL MEAT PRESS | US $79.99 | 24m |
| Antique Arcade Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand/Still in Nice Condition | US $14.99 | 24m |
| VINTAGE CAST IRON PAINTED MARCHING SOLDIER | US $7.29 | 25m |
| Cast Iron OWL Candle Holder Lamp Lantern Halloween | US $149.99 | 25m |
| ANTIQUE CAST IRON FIND SCULPTURE PUPPY DOG HUBLEY OLD VINTAGE METAL ART | US $24.49 | 25m |
| Cast Iron Andirons | US $14.99 | 26m |
| CAST IRON BUILDING SAFE | US $29.99 | 26m |
| ANTIQUE VERONA ART DECO CHARGING BULL ELEPHANT CAST IRON STATUE DESK BOOKENDS | US $495.00 | 26m |
| VINTAGE CAST IRON BOOKEND, COOL COLORS, RETRO, | US $15.00 | 27m |
| Minuteman Cast Iron Dutch Oven T-20 | US $50.00 | 28m |
| Vintage Cast Iron TrolleyCar | US $10.00 | 28m |
| Vintage Cobbler's Cast Iron Shoe Form | US $25.00 | 28m |
| LE CREUSET 10 3/4" DOUBLE POUR SPOUT CAST IRON FRYING PAN 26 RED/BLACK NICE | US $37.00 | 28m |
| Griswold Number 8 Cast Iron Skillet Large Logo Block Writing | US $30.00 | 28m |
| Cast Iron Still Bank- Liberty Bell | US $6.00 | 29m |
| ANTIQUE CAST IRON DOG PUPPY DOOR STOP VTG DOORSTOP ORIGINAL PAINT YAWNING | US $381.00 | 29m |
| VINTAGE CAST IRON BANK | US $25.00 | 30m |
| Lot of cast iron animal wall hooks- Giraffe, Monkey, elephant | US $9.99 | 30m |
| VINTAGE #3 CAST IRON SKILLET FRYING PAN 6 1/2" | US $.99 | 30m |
| Antique Cast Iron Horse Head Hitching Post Topper w Rein Ring | US $60.00 | 30m |
| ANTIQUE ART NOUVEAU DECO LADY BUST HAIR CAST IRON BOOKENDS NUDE STATUE BOOK END | US $595.00 | 30m |
| rare Antique Victorian "Fireplace" FOOTSTOOL Kneeler Ornate Cast Iron *Restored | US $145.00 | 30m |
| Cast Iron Skillet, NO. 3, 6 5/8 inch | US $12.99 | 30m |
| VINTAGE " RIVAL" CAST IRON TOY STOVE - COMPLETE | US $9.99 | 31m |
| Cast Iron Big Bang Conestoga style Carbide Cannon - 1930s | US $17.50 | 31m |
| CAST IRON wine apple cider fruit cheese lard press sausage stuffer 4 qt | US $124.49 | 31m |
| Shabby CAST IRON Double WALL POCKET a la ROSES | US $19.99 | 31m |
| New MTN Heavy Duty Cast Iron Manual Wheat Grass Fruit Juicer Extractor Grinder | US $30.95 | 31m |
| Browning Cast Iron, 2 Groove, Split Taper 358 Sheave 2Q3V190 | US $125.00 | 32m |