Iron foundry basics
Practical Action
The Crucible Iron Furnace
The crucible furnace is the easiest method of melting iron.
Figure 1 shows details of the arrangement and the different parts of a crucible furnace, using the
induced or "natural" draught method. Figure 2 showing the forced draught method has, in addition,
a blower, operated by a hand-wheel or motor.
Figure 1: Crucible Furnace (Induced draught)
Equipment required for induced draught method
A. Crucible (salamander pot) To be purchased. Made of a special composition of
clay, carbon and silicate.
B. Stool
Suggest original purchased, replacements from used
crucibles
C. Fire-bars
Originals of steel bar obtained from local metal
merchants. Replacement
bars of cast iron, which are more durable, as shown in
2