If possible, work outside. The best spaces for forging are well-ventilated with plenty of room to move around. If you’re embracing the DIY aspect of metalworking, try making your own forge at home. Your industrial-grade-rated crucible or forge is the vessel you will be using to melt your aluminum and copper to create aluminum bronze.

9 parts copper and 1 part aluminum (use scrap metal or purchase metal sheets or bars online or at home improvement stores) Industrial-grade rated crucible tongs to move your crucible and aluminum bronze A graphite stir rod to mix your aluminum and copper together A digital scale to weigh your aluminum and copper Your chosen cast or mold to shape your bronze creation A large bucket to fully submerge and harden your aluminum bronze in

Your entire body should be covered from head to foot to protect you from molten materials.

Keep the 9:1 ratio of aluminum to copper whether you’re forging a large quantity of bronze, or just a little bit. You may need to cut your aluminum or copper pieces to get the right weight ratio. Do not “preheat” your furnace while you get your metal ready. It increases the likelihood of you burning yourself accidentally.

If your furnace doesn’t have a temperature gauge, use an immersion probe for molten metal to test the temperature. The exact amount of time it will take to fully melt the metal depends on the quantity you’re melting and the power of your furnace. The metals are melted and blended when the mixture looks uniform and reaches a dull red to bright white glow. [8] X Research source

Practice using a blowtorch to make sure you’re comfortable with it before you use it for forging.

Double check that all of your safety gear is firmly fitted to your face and body. Molten metal is incredibly hot and dangerous. Work slowly and steadily to avoid accidental splashes of hot metal.

If your mold does not have a designated stand or surface to cool on, lay it on a pile of stones or bricks with your tongs while you wait.

Handle the fresh bronze with tongs only. It may look cool on the outside, but the interior can be as hot as 600 °C (1,112 °F).

The process of submerging your bronze into the water is called quenching, and it’s the last step of traditional bronze casting.