The Charcoal Foundry (Build Your Own Metal Working Shop from Scrap, Vol. 1)

Bought the full set in the green binder. But still a good read seperately.

The book provides a minimal body of knowledge. A reader could go forth and create a foundry after reading this book. The author writes plainly and succeeds in communicating the basic idea. I liked the author's attention to safety.While I cannot recommend a better alternative, this book left me wanting much more. I would have liked to see alternative furnace designs. I would have liked more detailed information on sands and fire clays. I would have liked rudimentary information on digging and preparing sand and clay from the earth, or an explanation of why to avoid this. I would have liked more information about crucible fabrication. I would have liked more information about skimming dross, and the tool for the job. I would have liked advice about the long-term contamination of green sand by parting flour, or reassurance that it is not an issue in practice.I liked the project at the end of the book, where the author shows how to cast a ball crank handle.The book and its jacket imply that a foundry can be built "dirt cheap". Dirt is actually somewhat expensive in agricultural, industrial, or laboratory grades. The hardware stores and home improvement warehouses in my area seem to sell sand and clay that might be adequate, but is not commendable for foundry service, on account of being too coarse, or of dubious purity.Looking at the tongs and assortment of tools shown in the book, I wonder if I should be thinking about setting up a charcoal smithy, too?I recommend this book as a good introduction. I doubt other books provide as good an introduction. But after reading this book, you may want much more. I've already purchased two more books on the subject. Plan and budget accordingly.

I connected with this book on a very personal level. The fundamental thoughts leading to this series were like they came from me. I have many creations and enjoy building needed furniture and tools from treasure. Although I have fundamental welding skills and advanced woodworking skills, the journey to learn and develop new skills in this field is so new that my wife is undergoing it with me. I am so glad to have found this series to have a guide from someone who shares my passion as an inventor/builder.

Imagine if you will, building a lathe from aluminum you scrapped over this last year. Even if you do not want a lathe or a mill or a dozen other projects, the experience of your own foundry, the pride of I did this myself, and with aluminum pop cans to boot : ) A little charcoal a little elbow grease and a new subject has been mastered, or at least played with. The projects you would build will cost from zero to however much you want, depending on your scavenging skills and determination. For instance I brought home a few goodies from the land fill : ) Keep your eyes pealed and instead of doing this project in a few weeks, make it a few years, and you'll save money and enjoy a new hobby. Recycle Recycle Recycle : ) But respect the heat!!!

What can you say? Gingerly knows how to plunge into a how-to topic and explain it. His designs may not always be the very best, but they will unquestionably get you started and teach you the basics. If you are a hands-on learner who would rather DO than "talk about," then you can't do better than this.

This book is designed to do 2 things- ONE: to be a primer and get you started in melting aluminum alloys in the home-shop... TWO:Become a starting point in building a metal-working shop from scratch and educate yourself while pushing your mind... This book accomplishes BOTH. This book is a great read to motivate and get you started- but you will probably get tired of the charcoal foundry quickly (I did) and move into propane as your hobby grows. The internet can connect you with a whole bunch of info on the "Uncle Dave Gingery" mindset of bootstrapping a shop- with several active yahoo and user groups dedicated to JUST THIS SERIES of books. I find the "Workshop Series No. 25- Foundrywork for the Amatuer" by Terry Aspin a great companion to this book- and as you dig deeper into the Gingery shopp series- you will eventually want to read Steve Chastain's books as well- but overall a great read! Only 4 stars because the info isnt complete without the ability to upgrade to propane! (NOT a complaint- just and observation!) Be safe and have a great day!

I first saw this book in the 80s, from Lindsey Publishing. I've always wanted to read it. Now that I have, I want to read the rest of the series and I want to build the machines!

Okay for minimal hobby projects--melting small amounts of aluminum but this is not much use if you want to build what I would call a real foundry. I mean they have made huge castings of bronze and noble metals since the Greeks and Romans using charcoal. The author also seems too timid on lost wax which has been done in holes in the ground over charcoal for thousands of years. This is the book you want if you don't have a clue and are just goofing around making sand cast toys. Anything beyond that and its a waste of money and time.