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How to Melt Brass in a Crucible

Brass is a fused metal made from the combination of copper and zinc. Like aluminum, brass has a low melting point compared with metals such as gold or steel. Because brass has a low melting point at 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit, it is one of the more difficult metals to melt. When melting brass in a crucible, the potential problem is that the zinc and the copper can separate. If you control the variables of melting down the copper, you can have a successful outcome.

Things You'll Need

Safety welder's gloves
Crucible
Brass pieces
Metal tongs
Melting furnace
Mold
Eye protection
Welder's apron

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the brass for melting by cleaning it and removing any non-brass pieces. Clean the brass with water and dry it.
- 2
  Heat the melting furnace with a fire-starting implement. Place the furnace in a well-ventilated area. Remove any flammable items that are anywhere near the furnace. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
- 3
  Put on welder's gloves, a welder's apron and protective eye covering. Place the brass in the crucible and carefully place the crucible in the furnace with the tongs. You may want to test-fire a small piece of brass for practice. This will help you gauge the melting point.
- 4
  Pour the melted brass into a mold. Allow it to cool.

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