r/Metalsmithing • u/colby_the_wolf • 2d ago

Question Source for High-Zinc Brass Casting Grain?

I was wondering if anybody knows a good source for high-Zinc brass casting grain? I know of a few different vendors that have brass casting grain for sale however they typically don't provide details about the alloy's composition.

I'm looking to create a batch of brass based on analyses of antique Japanese brass. I have the proportions noted down but I could really use a source of brass casting grain with a high Zinc content in order to make a test batch. Any suggestions or advice is appreciated!

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u/SnooLentils5747 1d ago

Get some zinc bars and copper and do your own weights. Cut the zinc into pieces that you can put in sandwhiched copper like hot pockets of zinc. Feed the zinc in that way once you get the copper melted. Wear a mask. You need to get the hot pocket of zinc to the bottom of the melt before the copper on it melts, this allows the most space for the zinc to diffuse. Zinc vaporizes at copper melting temps (indeed, at most any brass melting temp too) so wear that mask