Metal Casting Zone

Well folks,

I have started my first burner. I have decided on propane as a primary fuel but would like to be able to use coal/charcoal/wood if i'm in a pinch. So with necessity as the mother of invention, I had the idea of creating a burner that will be both a burner and a blower if need be. This my not be original in the casting world but since I haven't seen one yet, it's new to me. My burner body is a chunk of 3/4 inch black pipe 2 feet long (I will cut it down to a more manageable length). on the back side I have added a black iron T fitting. Through the very back of the fitting I will run soft copper 1/4 od through a bushing and run the propane into the burner. (I am copying one of the other burner links which show the copper line running into the body to help control the flame and venturi the air into the gas flow). Through the 90 degree opening on the backside I plan on adapting to a pressurized air source. Not sure if I'm going to run it off of my air compressor's regulated line (I have a flow regulator if needed). or if I will find a scrapped out shop vac motor and build a housing for that.

Is there any reason that anyone can think of for this not working? Is there a benefit to forced air when burining propane?

Let me know your thoughts. I should have pics soon.

Thanks. Scott

Sounds good. Post pics and keep us up on how its going.

sounds good. i have an adapted cast iron stove gas burner under mine. i hook up the airline from the compressor to it . in earlier times i just melted my metal with scrap wood and used the gas fitting as a blower. i use a gas burner and wood scrap in my furnace/forge. if im running out of gas i switch to wood.

Well, I have just finished the burner and it's trial run.

I put a ball valve on the compressed air side and an in line needle valve for the propane. I am rather happy with the outcome. The flame stabalizes very quickly. My kids loved it when I opened it up full tilt. I know aluminum won't stand a chance. I wonder what else it will be able to melt. I guess we will see after I have the furnace body built. I may have to start on that tonight.

I have a pic of the burner and i'll try to attach it. i also took a video. hopefully i can attach that also.

Hope this works.




It's pretty loud with the compressor. but i like it.

Scott aka Soudan (named after the Soudan mine in Norther Minnesota, USA, google it sometime.)

bingo!!!!! there is nothing wrong with that. aluminium is assured. brass??? my burner is like that. this is your choice.... you can plan on burning some wood in conjuction with the burner. you wont need much as the burner charrs it to charcoal very quick. you can then do away with the flare if you wish. with wood added it will do brass and maybe copper! anyway you have started with most important item first.