I'm fairly new to the whole casting bit, just got my foundry up and running a month ago. It took me about six months to figure out how to build a natural gas burner, do to the lack of instruction on the web, so I figured I'd throw in my two cents and show how I made mine.
What I'm posting is what I've learned through trial and error. If anyone has more information or ideas I'd appreciate it if you would let me know.
That being said, I'm not responsible for the actions or ideas of anyone that reads this. There is always a risk when working on "diy" projects, especially those that involve fire. Please practice safety when engaging in any type of casting or metal work.
What I'm posting is what I've learned through trial and error. If anyone has more information or ideas I'd appreciate it if you would let me know.
That being said, I'm not responsible for the actions or ideas of anyone that reads this. There is always a risk when working on "diy" projects, especially those that involve fire. Please practice safety when engaging in any type of casting or metal work.
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Just a bit of background to explain why I made the burner the way I did.
First off I'm a college student, (i.e. broke) I had to use what was readily available to me, so propane was out of the question.
The natural gas line that I had access to was only 5 psi @ 3/4", so I needed a forced air system.
I had bought the foundry (minus the burner) from a blacksmith shop I go to on the weekends, so the inlet diameter on mine was preset at 1.5" with a 1" hole going into the brick work. It's inside diameter is 10" with a 12" depth. The crucible I have is an A10 (7 5/16" inside height, 5 11/16" inside top, and 3 3/4" inside bottom; holds about 1.5 L)
First off I'm a college student, (i.e. broke) I had to use what was readily available to me, so propane was out of the question.
The natural gas line that I had access to was only 5 psi @ 3/4", so I needed a forced air system.
I had bought the foundry (minus the burner) from a blacksmith shop I go to on the weekends, so the inlet diameter on mine was preset at 1.5" with a 1" hole going into the brick work. It's inside diameter is 10" with a 12" depth. The crucible I have is an A10 (7 5/16" inside height, 5 11/16" inside top, and 3 3/4" inside bottom; holds about 1.5 L)
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My brother and I have recently made a few tweeks (I havent posted it yet) that really beefed up the burner It will get the foundry hot enough to start meltin in 15min.
http://imgur.com/a/6kz5f#0
We replaced the T section with a 2"x8" nipple and welded a 1/2" black pipe to it. a 90 degree sits at the end of the of the black pipe in the middle of the 2" nipple the 90 is attached to an black nipple terminating at a 1/2"-1/4" reducer (the brass tip).
Depending on your need (forge/foundry) the nossel for the outer pipe can be changed out. I have to collect some pics to make a new tutorial. I'll get on it this week end.
I gave some steps ahead and bought a Jacuzzi water cilinder from a deposit of scrap and it costed me only 4 US$ :) Its big enough to make a nice furnace. Already took it to a machinist here and asked him to make cuts and holes on it, and also to place iron bars down on it to make it moveable something like yours. Unhappily I dont have all the tools needed to it ( yet ) so I thought would be better to get some things made for someone more experienced then I.
I´m very concerned about the gas thing, hope I can get it to work at least reasonably with Butane gas.
I saw your pictures in imgur.com and I will be waiting for any news that you post.
Sorry for take your time.
And thanks again.
http://www.gasapplianceco.com/pdf/venturi_spec.pdf
http://shop.clay-planet.com/mr-750-venturi-burner.aspx
I just found out about them today, kinda wish i knew about it when I first started.
best of luck
Its a little expensive to me this burner. I think I will try to keep it as cheap as possible. Will you still publish your changes here ?
I suppose the natural gas you use is Butane, not propane, right ?
I only have access to Butane ( the one used in kitchens ) in tanks, so I think I could give this setup a try.
I just need to know if yes, this is butane gas.
Congrats, nice work.
The first fan I got was a little too powerful at 150 cfm though it will produce a good 18" long flame it occasionally blows out the flame; but I think that has to do more with the nossel size vs the foundry inlet than the fan. You might be better off with a fan some where in the ballpark of 100 cfm.