Anyone ever smelt?

[b.glass]

I'm a gal too!!!
I don't think 71 has made a comment since we've been so light hearted with his question. Are you out there 71?

[b.glass]

One minute faster than me Bernie!

[Lin Rhea]

John's right about the smelting. Reduction of the ore into metal. I just was asking for clarification from 71. Been thinking about forging some from existing steel.
                                 Lin

[jhansen]

I really hate the taste of my foot.  Unfortunately, it is one that I am all too familiar with.  I wasn't reading every post, just skipping around and completely missed Ms Glass.  Please accept my apology.  If you will excuse me I need to go find some mouthwash.      

John

[b.glass]

No problem John! Happens all the time!   :p

[cdworks]

you could use sand as a mold or i think carbon/coal dust? i read up on blacksmithing a few years ago and it looked like fun! i owuld love to try it but being a college student(and an archer) i am permanently broke lol

[jhansen]

The sand casting process is also known as "lost wax casting".  A model of the item to be cast is created in wax and attached to a "tree" that will include a funnel section for pouring.  The model/tree is then dipped in a sand coating until a shell is formed.  If I remember correctly from my days working in a foundry, it is about six coats.  The wax is then melted out leaving the mold.  The metal is poured into the mold and allowed to harden.  Once cool the mold is broken and the part(s) are cut free of the tree and the nub is ground off.  It's a long, hot and sometimes dangerous process.

John