Melting the Iron Crucible

Approximately 1.9 grams of iron works well (seven pellets). The pellets need to be melted into one big blob. The photo shows a good iron melt.

• Give yourself 30 minutes for this task.
• Be patient during the melting, it takes time for the heat to spread from the hot spot.
• Let all the iron reach the same temperature, then decide if you need more electron current.
• If the electron current is too high, you might see glowing sparks ejected from the melt. Like the sparks that shoot out of a camp fire.
• As melting proceeds, the metal puddle will have better thermal contact to the crucible. Therefore, heat will dissipate faster and more electron current might be needed.