How to Process Scrap Skeleton Steel
Whether you are looking to help the environment or want to make some extra cash, processing scrap skeleton steel is a step in the right direction. Reusing scrap steel takes only 25 percent of the energy that is needed to make new steel. By using scrap steel, you also produce less pollution and leave a smaller carbon footprint. Skeleton steel is considered any steel that makes the frame of an object and is readily available.
Things You'll Need
- Vice-grip
- Portable band saw
- Carbide blade
- Container
- Foundry
- Foundry thermometer
- Cast-iron crucible
- Metalworking tongs
- Mold
Instructions
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1
Turn the lever of the vice-grip in a counterclockwise direction to open the vice-grip. Insert the skeleton steel into the vice-grip. Turn the lever of the vice-grip in a clockwise direction to tighten the vice-grip. It is important to secure the skeleton steel to prevent the metal from flying in different directions.
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2
Cut the skeleton steel with a portable band saw and carbide blade. Carbide blades are strong and durable enough to cut through skeleton steel. Cut the skeleton steel into 2-by-2-inch pieces. Place the cut skeleton steel pieces in a container. Continue until all the steel pieces are 2-by-2 inches.
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3
Heat a foundry to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the melting point for steel. Check the foundry thermometer.
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4
Insert the skeleton steel pieces into a cast-iron crucible. A cast-iron crucible is a metal container that can withstand extreme heat temperatures without melting. Fill the crucible with the steel pieces.
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5
Place the crucible into the foundry, using metalworking tongs. Metalworking tongs have long handles to shield the heat of the foundry from the user. Leave the skeleton steel pieces and crucible in the foundry until the steel pieces melt.
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6
Remove the crucible when the steel is melted. Pour the molten steel into a mold. Let the steel cool in the mold. Molds can be made out of metal, sand, clay or other heat-resistant materials.
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7
Insert the remaining skeleton steel pieces into the crucible. Repeat Steps 4 to 6 until all the scrap skeleton steel is processed.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear protective gloves, goggles and a mask when handling and cutting skeleton steel. Cut skeleton steel is extremely sharp and should be handled with caution.
