melting brass questions

H

hodgescl

Joined
Oct 8, 2009
Messages
128
im going to try to melt down some old brass rifle casings into somthing that i can use to make a knife guard or somthing out of.

what temp will i need to get it to?

is it even possible to do in an open fire?

any help/ critiques are appreciated.

-hodges
 
You can't do it in an open fire. The cartridge cases are woth more as cases than a knife guard. You can buy brass at any of the knifemakers' supply houses.
 
Bill's right, brass barstock is cheaper than the effort you'd have to go through to melt cases down.

If you want to use them for sentimental reasons... I've seen knives where people cut the flat ends off and inlay them like a shield or escutcheon on the handle, that looks pretty cool. You know, the part with the caliber etc stamped on it, for the life of me I can't think of the word for that right now :o
 
Cartridge brass is 30 % zinc .Zinc fumes are toxic !
Buy a piece of brass !
 
good thing i didnt try it yet. its old european surpluss so its not worh anything to me.
 
The butt ends, if large enough, could make cool conchos with a Chicago screw, or buttons, with a thread loop silver-brazed on. Beware, as stated above: Soldering, brazing or melting brass gives off toxic fumes, as does the flux, causes serious kidney damage I have been told. Needs lotsa ventilation!!
 
james terrio said:
Bill's right, brass barstock is cheaper than the effort you'd have to go through to melt cases down.

If you want to use them for sentimental reasons... I've seen knives where people cut the flat ends off and inlay them like a shield or escutcheon on the handle, that looks pretty cool. You know, the part with the caliber etc stamped on it, for the life of me I can't think of the word for that right now :o
Click to expand...

It's called the case head.:)
 
Nothing wrong with melting down cartridge cases for the brass if the economics are right. OF COURSE you have to take precautions, ventilation, appropriate clothing, etc. With some foreknowledge and planning it does not need to be dangerous. BUT the one Galdarn Pluperfect Freekin' rule of the road is to make absolutely certain, beyond doubt in this world that not one live primer makes into the crucible. :eek::eek::eek: Oh, ya, its all old stuff, empty cases, but but but, more than one young or old man has come to regret the assumption.
 
Last edited:
The head stamp is the lettering on the case head.

Another thing about molten metal is water. Even a little dampness can cause a steam explosion. I once dropped a slightly damp bullet back in molten lead and the resulting explosion blew hot metal all over. Luckily lead does not need to be that hot and what struck me cooled enough in flight to only burn me slightly and my glasses saved my eyes. There is nothing wrong with melting brass as long as you know there are no serious toxins involved like beryllium and you know what is involved and take proper precautions like ventilation. But, unless you are casting some certain shape it is probably not worth it.
 
melting brass is generally a bad decision. as mentioned there are toxic fumes involved, primers consist of various alloy combinations. even depriming if melting lots of cases can still leave enough trace containents to cause health problems. 2 of my customers make custom jewelry & mentioned the safety measures involved.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top