List of gold melting equipment
Complete shopping list to set up your workshop mini-foundry.
At a glanceMelting gold and silver in a workshop to recycle scrap or pour ingots requires dedicated equipment meeting Swiss SUVA workshop safety standards. From crucibles to torch power and thermal protection, here is the complete checklist for a professional melting bench.
Workshop Melting Equipment Checklist
| Tool / Equipment | Recommended Technical Spec | Metallurgical Function | Indicative Budget (CHF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting Furnace | Induction furnace or oxy-gas torch | Reach 1,100 °C to 1,800 °C uniformly | CHF 450 – 2,200 |
| Crucible | Clay-graphite (gold/silver) or quartz (platinum) | Thermal shock resistance during repeated pours | CHF 35 – 90 / unit |
| Crucible Tongs | Forged stainless steel matching crucible shape | Safe gripping and pouring of liquid metal | CHF 60 – 120 |
| Ingot Mold | Milled cast iron or high-density graphite | Pouring uniform bars or rolling wires | CHF 45 – 150 |
| Melting Flux | Anhydrous borax (Sodium tetraborate) | Dissolving copper oxides, preventing slag | CHF 15 – 30 / kg |
| SUVA Safety Gear (PPE) | Kevlar heat gloves (500 °C), DIN visor, leather apron | Protection against molten metal splashes | CHF 180 – 350 |
Critical Safety Rules
- Always Preheat Ingot Molds: Never pour molten metal into a cold or damp mold. Microscopic moisture droplets flash-boil into steam instantly, causing violent molten explosions.
- Fume Extraction: Scrap jewelry often contains zinc or cadmium from old solders that emit toxic fumes when melted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Melting Gear
Electric furnace vs torch: which is best?
An electric resistance furnace with digital PID controls is ideal for consistent karat gold alloys up to 1,150 °C; torches are best for custom small pours.
Why season a new crucible?
Heating a new crucible to dull red and coating it with molten borax seals the porous interior before the first melt.
Buy Investment Gold in Switzerland (VAT-Exempt)
Buy and store physical gold in secure Zurich or Geneva vaults at direct live LBMA spot rates.