Poured my first bar today.

Buffaloknight

Buffaloknight

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I just poured my first bar today after doing some research on youtube.

Photo is a close up, front and back of a two ounce bar.

It did not turn out as expected, the back of the bar has a big dimple, and also some patchy discolouration.
Is this typical? Anybody have any thoughts on how to improve, I'm open to suggestions.




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If you used a small crucible and seasoned it with borax it’s probably the borax
Also a good polish and tumble does the world of good removing undesirables
 
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That is interesting that 925 is more difficult to pour. I used 999, but a bit of an unconventional method.
I put 999 silver shot directly in the graphite mould and put on top of a bunsen burner.
No borax, flux... Just a very hot mould and silver.
The graphite glowed red hot before the silver melted. I know it not advised to heat directly in the mould, but I wanted to investigate it myself.

I made two since and both with larger bubbles underneath, and the mould itself is starting to break down.

Hi Lucky, I really like your youtube channel. I think your pours are great.
You are an Australian "Backyard bullion"
On one episode you used a brush polishing device. Do you think a brush polisher or rotary tumbler is better?
Does it make much of a difference to the final outcome. I would like to minimise the steps needed to create bars to keep things economical.
 
I would say it’s the graphite then that’s on your bars. Backyard bullion uses vinegar and I think 7000 sandpaper (super fine) that’s already worn down a little as it can still leave marks on the silver. He is really good at answering questions also if you send him an email.
I found the rotary tumbler the best. I started with a cheap one off eBay but it tumbles too fast (good for rocks)and found it left little dimples all over the silver from the ball bearings. I’ve got a professional one now (forget the name) but it goes real slow and does a great job.
For a real clean pour if using my furnace l don’t pour every last drop of silver out and that way any graphite remains in the crucible.
You may have also noticed when the silver melted some little red spots on top of the silver, these can be impurities and can be removed touching them with a graphite rod.
Goddards silver polishing foam is also great.
What i do know is that silver pouring is a lot of trial and error ha ha!! Can be so frustrating but also very rewarding when you get that real nice pour!! Good luck and I’m happy to answer any questions you have. I’m still a rookie though so I’m also learning as I go.
BTW I like the big bubble look. That’s the fun of poured silver. Every pour different and it can be the imperfections that make the bar so special.
 
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Not bad for a first attempt, I think my first attempt would look like a cheap sponge from coles. Thinking of having a go at this myself in the next months.
 
Sometimes the lumpiness is from not getting hot enough. A traditional way to remove impurities like oxide is to stir the matal with a graphite rod. It should meet no resistance. You will feel any not fully melted granules. If you are using borax then it will turn to a glassy substance after heating. This will dissolve in 10% sulphuric acid bath. Warm is best. Safer still you can use sodium bisulphate to the same effect. Easiest way i found is without flame. Just use a small furnace with graphite crucilble and when it hits the correct temp just pour into your mould. This method is best done without borax.
 
screwedon said:
If you are using borax then it will turn to a glassy substance after heating. This will dissolve in 10% sulphuric acid bath. Warm is best. Safer still you can use sodium bisulphate to the same effect.
Click to expand...
I’m going to try the sodium bisulphate thanks
So still 10% in warm water?
 
Lucky said:
I’m going to try the sodium bisulphate thanks
So still 10% in warm water?
Click to expand...
Sorry not sure of the exact amount but that should be fine. I normally just chuck in about 3/4 cup to a large crock pot. Incidentally a ceramic crock pot is a perfect device for a warm pickle soltion.
 
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