Hello everyone,
I would like to work in bronze and brass but I am concerned about the zinc and tin. I know melting zinc can lead to metal fume fever, is this the same for tin? Is there any other more serious danger associated with melting tin and zinc? Is a respirator enough or is more required? Is any of this even necessary at all? Thanks for any input.
Argentum Moon
I have worked with brass, nickel-silver, and copper for over 40 years and have not found any serious danger to it. I have not done casting, but for hard soldering and brazing, the usual respirators should be enough. Metal fume fever comes from melting larger volumes of the alloys and not having a fan (or something) to draw the fumes away (+ wearing a respirator). I love making jewelry with these base metals. If you prefer larger pieces, as I do, base metal is both affordable and beautiful.
Judy Bjorkman