The small hole on the left side of the bakelite insulator is for attaching a vacuum gauge, if you
wish. This is not necessary. A plug is provided for the hole if a vacuum gauge is not used. If a
gauge is desired, a vacuum of 300 microns is sufficient.
Attach a water supply to the top fitting of the left support post. Attach a drain hose to the bottom
of the support post on the left side. Adjust the valve so that approximately three or four quarts
of water per minute is flowing through the system.
On the top of the copper crucible is a neoprene “O” ring. Wipe it clean of dust and swing the
lower water cooled body in over the clamp and under the top or fixed upper body. Take a firm
grip on the crucible clamping device (de-staco clamp) handle and push forward –crucible is
now sealed.
Open the gas valve on the top of the bakelite insulator. Open the argon tank main valve. Adjust
the pressure regulator until four pounds is indicated on the output gauge. Retighten the valve
on top of the unit. Open the valve to the vacuum pump. Turn on the vacuum pump. At first, the
pump will make considerable noise. As soon as the vacuum pump has reached approximately
300 microns, it will become rather quiet. Turn off the vacuum pump, allow vacuum to leak off
and continue with further instructions.
A DC electric welder with a capacity of 400 to 600 Amps and 40 Volts should be used. Attach
the negative cable to the negative lug in the electrical box provided. Attach the positive cable to
the positive lug in the electrical box as well.
Move the anode rod up and down several times, noting it is spring loaded. Also note that the
anode rod has considerable play in the bushing where it enters through the bakelite insulator.
This is intentional to allow operator to move the anode in a circulator motion while melting to
insure an even melt. Release crucible clamping device (de-staco clamp) by pulling toward
operator and swing out the lower water cooled body. Note that this lower body can be swiveled
nearly upside down. This will allow button to drop from crucible after it has cooled.
Push down handle grips on the anode rod until the anode can be seen below the upper body.
The anode is held in place by a graphite bushing. Unscrew the bushing and remove anode.
The anode should have somewhat of a point. The flat on the tip should be no more than 1/8”.
In use, the flat will broaden. It should be observed often and ground or filed to the right shape.
Also, some of the melt may stick to the anode if you touch the molten bath. This should be
removed before using the anode again. Re-install the anode; remember to be careful and do
not tighten the graphite bushing too much or it may break.
Load the crucible with 40 to 50 grams of steel. If the amount is smaller, you will not obtain a full
size button, and if greater, the melt may not be complete on the bottom side. When melting
materials of a lighter weight than steel, adjust the amount by experimentation to give you a
button approximately ¼” thick. The material to be melted should be free of oil and other foreign
matter. If necessary, wash the material in a solvent and allow to dry. Oily material will produce
soot and smoke through the pressure relief system.
