How to Melt Silver With a Propane Torch

Even a hobbyist can start her own line of production jewelry rather than laboring on one-off pieces. This can be achieved by casting the shape of an item, such as an acorn, in silver and then creating a mold so you can re-cast the shape in mass quantities. Melt down bits and pieces of silver wire, filings, old earring wires and even whole pieces of sterling silver jewelry, using a propane torch.

Place silver scraps into the crucible. A crucible is like a cup that is used to liquefy metals since it can tolerate high temperatures.

Light the propane torch using a flint striker or lighter. Turn the gas on high so you have hot blue flame.

Hold the crucible handle in your left hand if you a right-handed. Hold the torch in your right hand, with the flame close to the crucible so that it’s a couple inches away from the metal.

Add about 1/2 tsp. of borax to the silver once it starts to melt a bit to prevent it from oxidizing as it heats up.

Concentrate the flame over the crucible, carefully swirling the metal in the crucible from time to time to make sure all the metal bits have melted. Heat the metal until it liquefies.

Immediately use the molten metal for casting, or pour the molten silver into a metal or wood mold, if desired to cast a brick or ingot of silver for later use.