Melting Cans With The Mini Metal Foundry

How to recycle scrap metal in the backyard, with a homemade, Mini Metal Foundry.

Common materials in the Mini Metal Foundry

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WARNING: Charcoal foundries can reach temperatures in excess of 1,000ºC, which is well above the melting point of hobbyists. This project should only be attempted with adequate knowledge and training, proper protective safety gear, and in a fire resistant area with adequate ventilation. The sparks flying from the foundry can ignite fires, and the fumes from burning dross can be toxic. Use caution and common sense. Use of this video content is at your own risk.

Project inspired by:

This foundry is an original design, which comes after months of experimenting, and over 10 different prototypes. The functionality is founded on ideas I collected while searching the internet for foundry designs.

Background:

For as long as I can remember, I've been intrigued by the idea of melting metal and making things with it. The problem has always been that it was out of reach or required really expensive equipment.

In this project I experimented with 10 different prototypes, to develop a reusable backyard foundry that melts aluminum soda cans easily and safely. I tested different refractory recipes, different containers, different setting for blowing air, and different types of makeshift crucibles.

I tried various ratios of portland cement, sand, perlite, plaster of paris, water, and even kitty litter. For containers, I experimented with clay pots, plastic buckets, no container, cinderblocks, and a galvanized steel pail.

Depending on where you get, or find, your materials the cost can range anywhere from $5-$25 per unit. With the materials I used, I was able to make 2 units for under $40 ($20 each). Even on the high end, this is probably one of the cheapest, reliable, backyard foundries that can be made.

I used mine to melt soda cans, and extract the aluminum for future metal casting projects. All the soda cans came from a local recycling depot. I bought back 30 lbs from the depot to avoid having to drink gallons and gallons of soda. :) I stored the ingots in various forms, which you can see in the next video, and tried a cool technique for making a little sword by pouring liquid metal into a bucket of sand. I'm planning to make a project video on how to do that in the near future.

Thanks for watching, and please share!! :)
#tkor #thekingofrandom

[niccolopaganini]

This man played such a huge role in my childhood. I started watching him when I was in 2nd grade and now im graduating this coming year. Thi makes me sad to this day knowing that he is no longer with us, he may be gone but will never be forgotten. Long live TKOR you, will always be loved❤❤

[pew-series]

Now this is the king of random i know and love

[Damian-txfy]

Rip to a true legend.. we will miss you

[annoyingphysicist]

Used my fire extinguisher to make the crucible.
Reeeeally needed it later

[TheKingofRandom]

*I'm editing the video on how to build this foundry from scratch, right now, so it should be the next project video. :D  It's an original design you can make very easily, for around $20.  I spent 5 months experimenting, and made over 10 different prototypes.  Thanks for sharing, and please let me know what you think?*

[AnyOne-rjqi]

Finally A DIY Video Maker That Is NOT A Waste Of Time
You Are The Real Deal

[Arcticx]

Its kinda sad knowing that the king of eandom will never TRULY be doing stuff like this again

[alltimes]

If only you had posted this before Christmas, I would have saved a fortune! Great video Grant.. :D

[calvins]

Rest In Peace to the greatest king of random‼️😭❤️❤️

You won’t be forgotten

[craigpeacock]

Rest happy memories have making the Mini Metal Factory with my son for his school project, you bought knowledge, joy and fun into our lives!

[Nighthawkinlight]

Great job Grant! Looks like it's working great.

[taow]

Thanks for this awesome project Grant! I've got to give this a go!

[JerryBiehler]

I used to help teach classes in basic metal casting.

​A couple things, aluminum cans are one of the worst sources for aluminum to cast with. For one the alloy is all wrong, it was meant for extrusion and not the best for casting things. Another is you get more dross (crud) from cans than you do get actual pourable metal. The thin walls oxidize real quick and the plastic coating on the can just adds impurities. If you want stuff to cast find cast aluminum items like electric skillets and old small engine blocks from a lawnmower shop. Chop them up and feed them into the crucible.

Speaking of the crucible, steel is soluble in molten aluminum. What does that mean? You can be carrying a crucible of 1600f aluminum and the bottom can dissolve through and drop molten aluminum onto you feet and onto the ground. Use a good refractory crucible, they are cheap, about $30 for one this size.

And that brings up the most important royal f-up in the video. He is doing this over concrete. THIS IS A TERRIBLE IDEA. It can result in serious injuries. When molten aluminum falls to the ground the aluminum will superheat the moisture in the concrete and cause it to spall, that is to explode where the aluminum lands. This sends hot concrete and molten aluminum spraying everywhere. When melting and pouring metal do it over sand.

[GeoRed]

Rest In Peace, we’ll always appreciate what you did and will always miss you

[fubar]

We need more metal projects! This has inspired me a lot. I have always wanted to make my own forge. After watching and trying this project I feel like my own forge is attainable. Thank you and keep up the great work!

[Raven-bwjd]

These are some of the coolest videos I have ever seen in my life, its all so helpful. My school doesnt recycle aluminum so Ive been using the cans we dont use to make new things. Thanks!

[chice]

I did this project for a chemistry project 8 years ago. It is something I will never forget. He is truly the king of random

[scamschool]

We're making these for the next neighborhood bake sale! 

[andrewbondurant]

Isn’t it amazing how YouTube will serve as a archive of those who have passed on people will never have to forget their loved ones voices

[matejmilovanovic]

Rest in peace legend, you will be forever remembered.