I was on YouTube and came across this great video showing how to season or prepare a new crucible.
It is on Kevin Potter’s channel (Potter USA hydraulic presses, pancake dies, etc) and is being narrated by jeweler Joni Kisro.
I usually sprinkle in/ use Borax powder flux, but Joni instead liberally brushed paste flux (Handy Flux was used in this demo) all over the inside of the crucible, as well as the rim and outside. She also started by heating the crucible from underneath. I was impressed with how quickly and evenly the paste flux glazed the crucible. I will be sure to try this method the next time I season a crucible.
I thought I would share this video here for anyone who might be interested in watching.
Also, I read somewhere, that when melting down (sterling silver) that it was a good idea to pre-heat the crucible before adding the metal…the theory being that you reduce the amount of time the metal is subjected to the flame/ heat/ oxygen. thereby reducing the potential for oxides forming in the metal melt. Has anyone found this to be the better way to melt metal?.
Remember, safety first, take all precautions.
Julie