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How to Make Carbide

Calcium carbide, a highly flammable chemical material, is sometimes used in steel-making, the production of acetylene, carbide lamps and naval signal flares. In early vehicles, calcium carbide was once used as a light source for headlights. Calcium carbide can be purchased, but due to its hazardous nature, high shipping costs are usually incurred. Alternatively, make the material with a bag of lime, charcoal and a flower pot.

Things You'll Need

Drill
Bag of lime
Charcoal
Terra cotta flower pot of any size
Welder
Two carbon arc electrodes

Instructions

- 1
  Drill two holes in the flower pot's sides, one hole on each side. Insert one carbon arc electrode into each of the holes.
- 2
  Fill half of the flower pot with the lime. Crush the charcoal, and pour it into the pot until the pot is full.
- 3
  Set the welder's current to 105 Amps. Insert the welder into the pot, and touch it against one of the arc electrodes. A mixture of lime and carbon shoots out of the pot, and flames may appear.
- 4
  Run the welder for approximately 1 minute, then turn it off to let the contents of the pot cool. After the pot cools, empty its contents onto a flat surface.
- 5
  Sift through the contents of the pot until a black lump is found. Break off a piece of the lump and place it in a dish of water. If this piece begins to fizz, it is calcium carbide.

Rocks & Minerals