DC Weekend Projects

Lost Wax Casting Process Jewelry: An In-Depth Guide to Techniques and Benefits

Lost wax casting is a fascinating method used to create intricate jewelry pieces. This process allows for highly detailed designs that are difficult to achieve with other methods. It has a rich history, going back thousands of years, and remains a popular choice among modern jewelers. Artists start by crafting

Best Refractory Cement for Forge: Can Tenon Meet Your Needs?

Finding the right mortar for high-temperature projects can be a challenge. Recently, we tried out the Tenon Refractory Mortar, and it really stood out. This preblended mix is ready to use—just add water and get started. We used it for a couple of different applications, including our fire pit,

How to Make Refractory Cement: 3 Recipes for High-Temperature Applications

Making refractory cement can be a straightforward process for those interested in high-temperature applications. This article offers three easy recipes that anyone can follow to create their own refractory cement at home. Whether for a DIY project or repairs, understanding how to mix and apply this heat-resistant material is essential.

How to Make Refractory Cement for Forge: A Step-by-Step Guide

Refractory cement is key for anyone looking to build a forge. Making it is a straightforward process that allows for high-temperature resistance, essential for metalworking projects. With the right materials and steps, anyone can create a durable forge lining that stands up to extreme conditions. Before starting, it's important to

Refractory Concrete

How to Make Refractory Cement for Pizza Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making a pizza oven at home can be a rewarding project. A key component of a successful pizza oven is refractory cement, which withstands high temperatures and ensures cooking efficiency. Knowing how to make refractory cement not only enhances the performance of the oven but also prolongs its life, making

Stains

Best Non-Toxic Sealant For Terracotta Pots

For anyone looking to preserve terracotta pots, finding the right sealant is crucial. The best non-toxic sealant for terracotta pots is a water-based acrylic sealant. These products provide a strong barrier against moisture while ensuring that the pots remain safe for plants. Using non-toxic sealants protects both the plants and

Garden

What kind of wood is used for raised beds?

Types of Wood for Raised Beds Selecting the right type of wood for raised beds is important for durability, resistance to pests, and overall gardening success. The following are three popular choices: cedar, redwood, and pine. Cedar Wood Characteristics Cedar is a top choice for raised garden beds due to

How to Make Castable Refractory Cement

Making castable refractory cement is a practical approach to creating heat-resistant structures and components. To craft this specialized material, one must combine refractory aggregates, a binder, and water in precise proportions. This allows for the formation of a strong, durable mixture capable of withstanding high temperatures. Understanding the components involved

Garden

Affordable Woods for Raised Garden Beds

When diving into the world of gardening, one of the smartest investments you can make is in raised garden beds. These splendid little plots not only save your back from bending over repeatedly but also boost drainage, reduce weed invasions, and extend your growing season. However, as any green-thumbed enthusiast

Lifestyle Featured

What Paint To Paint A Chicken Coop?

If you're anything like me, your chickens are more than just egg-laying machines; they're part of the family, each with their own quirky personality and feathered flair! There’s nothing quite like the clucking of happy hens pecking around the homestead. They gift us with fresh eggs, keep the bugs

$Furnace Cement vs Refractory cement - What do I need to use?$

Foundry Featured

Furnace Cement vs Refractory cement - What do I need to use?

Furnace and refractory cement are two essential materials used in high-temperature applications, such as furnaces, kilns, and fireplaces. While both cements are designed to withstand high temperatures, they differ in composition, durability, and application methods. Understanding the differences between these two cements is crucial when choosing the right material for

Foundry

Top Fire Bricks Alternatives

Fire bricks are a type of refractory material that is used in the construction of furnaces, kilns, chimneys and other high-temperature applications. Fire bricks are made from fire-resistant clay, which can withstand temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. While fire bricks are a reliable and long-lasting option for these

Casting

Sand Casting Recipes: A Comprehensive Guide

Learn how to make your own casting sand at home from easy-to-source ingredients. 3 different formulas for you to try!

Lifestyle

3 Wood Stains That Are Safe For Use In The Vegetable Garden

Safe wood stains to use in your vegetable garden without worrying about harmful chemicals.

Lifestyle

How to build a simple Wood-Fired Pizza Oven from bricks.

I don't think I've ever meet someone who doesn't like pizza, as a great staple around the world for many it has become an icon of comfort and also a point of contention, when it come to pineapple as a topping... today we will find out from a pizza expert

Lifestyle Featured

Non-Toxic Natural Wood Finishes & Preservatives

Many modern wood stains & preservatives contain harmful chemicals that can cause allergic skin reactions & permanent respiratory damage! Without care and failing to follow safety precautions, You can add a much higher risk to unwanted exposure to these chemicals, some woodworkers later in life develop an advection to many wood coating

What Soldering Iron/Station do I need?

It is a challenge choosing the right soldering station, not only for the newbies but also the experienced professionals. Today’s electronic equipment has really advanced, and is advancing every year, with ever increasing complexity, while a decreasing in dimensions and weight. This has resulted in difficulty in the assembly

A black smith heating a metal rod to be forge.

Foundry

Build a blacksmith forge for $50 from junk.

Disclaimer: The material on this website is provided for general information only, and on the understanding of how a forge works, this is not professional advice on how to make one. I am not responsible for your safety. Any damage or loss caused by the use of this information is

Lifestyle

10 Awesome fire pit ideas that are bound to impress friends and family!

So you're looking for some inspirational ideas to help choose or even make/design your very own fire pit, you have come to the right place! we have collected 10 amazing (though some in their own special way) fire pit ideas! If you are seriously thinking of making your own

How to buy Loose Diamonds online without being SCAMMED.

Buying loose diamonds online can be a scary prospect, thoughts of whether or not you are getting a good price? are the diamonds real or fake? or even, what makes a "good" diamond. The diamond market is one that screams "caveat emptor" *(buyer beware). But fear, not all will be

Blowtorch

How to refill your blowtorch & blowtorch safety measures you should take.

Blowtorch safety precautions. Whenever using any kind of torch it is important to follow safety procedures to make sure you and anyone around you remain safe. A refillable butane torch is no exception. After filling the blowtorch fuel cell with fuel, per the manufacturer's specifications, it is important to remember

Casting

How to cast with Delft Clay

Casting with Delft Clay is an easy and pleasant experience and does not require many tools or prep work. Users of Delft Clay can expect a high-quality result even with little knowledge at a beginner's level. Let's not waste any time and get straight into it. What you need: * 1

$How to make Refractory Cement 3+ Recipes$

Foundry Featured

How to make Refractory Cement 3+ Recipes

Whether you are building an amazing pizza oven, a gorgeous and fully functioning fireplace to complete your backyard oasis, or even a forge/furnace, it is important to have a good recipe for making your own refractory cement right at home. Whether you are completely unsure of how to begin

Sand Casting

Greensand, Sand Casting & Greensand Recipe

Sand Casting is the process of using sand to produce a negative mold to pour whatever medium you what your cast to be. The sand itself is not normal sand in most cases, it has had things added to make it more resistant to heat and to cast a finer

Foundry

Build Your Own D.I.Y Foundry For Casting & Refining

This is one of the most detailed tutorials on how to build your own do it yourself foundry I have found on the internet. So please Watch and enjoy! Also, be sure to check out the eBooks and links below for similar foundry's construction ideas and methods. Good luck. Best

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