The Homemade Furnace Set-up

• You can make a furnace out of the bottom third of a steel drum. Fill it part way with sand and make a hole in the sand about three inches wide and three inches deep. Place anthracite coal on the sand around the outside of the hole you made. Place your silver in a graphite crucible, which are available at rock shops and lapidary supply stores. Placed the crucible in the hole. Light the coal with charcoal lighter fluid. Place a metal lid on the furnace. The lid should be made of steel or iron. This will melt approximately 7 ounces of silver. The furnace will reach a temperature of 1300 degrees.
  
  

The Torch Set-up

• Place your silver on an iron or steel plate. Apply borax flux. Use the paste form. This will prevent your torch from blackening the silver. Light a propane torch and keep the flame as low as possible. A high wind speed on your torch can blow the melted silver around and cause you to lose it. Bring the torch down slowly and move it constantly in order to heat the silver evenly. This set-up is appropriate for one to three ounces of silver.
  
  

Commercial Furnace Set-up

• Commercial furnaces run on electricity and can reach temperatures of 1090 degrees. This type of furnace usually has an insulated handle which will allow you to pour the molten metal after it has melted. You can also control the temperature precisely. This type of furnace costs about $1,000.
  
  

Equipment for All Set-ups

• You need to wear safety goggles. For even better protection, use a full face shield. Leather gloves are also required. Keep cold water nearby and if a burn occurs, immerse the burned area in water immediately, or pour the water on the burn.