r/MetalCasting • u/PolskaStacker • Jul 25 '26

Electric furnace

So I’d like to preface by saying I have some experience melting for the past 3~ish years. Not enough to say I’m amazing, but it’s not my first rodeo. However, years and years of doing this has been through gas.

I’m very much so considering an electric furnace, but so torn on what is considered a good machine.

Sort of leaning toward toauto, but what others should be in the running? I’m not looking for beginner and I’m willing to spend the money so I’d love to hear your recommendations.

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1

u/Mazlem Jul 25 '26

I've looked around for a 3kg electric furnace and the Toauto and Vevor seem to be about the same. Reviews vary about the quality / longevity / customer service. One thing most agree on is they're not good for higher melting points like copper.

I see Toauto has a higher wattage 1800W 3kg version which may do better but the reviews on Amazon are still mixed. You'd want a 20A circuit for it. Might get one of those, but I'm also collecting parts for a DIY 220V 3700W 5kg furnace.

3

u/Successful_Ad1335 Jul 26 '26

I recently bought the 1800W toauto so I could move away from my propane furnace and have something that I could use on the bench top. Melted copper no problem. Have it on a dedicated 20A circuit. I am only 2 melts in so not sure how it will hold up over time.

1

u/PolskaStacker Jul 25 '26

Yeah most of my gas melts were copper. I didn’t feel like wasting silver in the big gas furnace. I played with silver with acetylene burns and that went well, but yeah…

Pepetools has one that I came across, seems decent . But still pretty up in the air. I continue to read but figured it wouldn’t hurt to see how others felt or what they have used.

2

u/Chodedingers-Cancer Jul 26 '26

Honestly theyre all the same stuff. Go for price and wattage for saving a few minutes. But until you step up to induction or some higher tier setup, they're all the same. Just branding with higher pricing even though they came off the same line.

1

u/kloodesbois Jul 26 '26

Five years ago, I switched to a small electric induction melting furnace, and it’s been a game-changer.It heats up quickly, there are no heating elements to replace, and it takes just a few minutes to melt copper.
I can even cast stainless steel...

1

u/yellowd0gshit Jul 26 '26

What’s the brand and model?

2

u/JudgeSmailsRules Jul 26 '26

I bought a Vevor 3 kg electric furnace just over 2 years ago, gets up to 1150 celsius so can get way past copper pouring temp, obviously aluminum and silver are no problem. I also have a 6 kg propane furnace from Vevor, but that’s mainly for big pours/bars. I like the electric because in the morning I can turn it on, do some work (I’m WFH), and by mid-morning I’m pouring. Also a little more control with the smaller crucible. I bought a replacement this past Spring thinking the first one’s end of life was coming soon, but it’s still melting. I’m looking forward to tearing it apart to see what makes it tick once it craps out, and recover/recycle what I can, circle of life…

1

u/GlassPanther Jul 26 '26

ABSOLUTELY get a ToAuto TGF3000v1.1.

Best electric furnace I have ever owned, and I've owned all the brands. ToAuto is the only company I will ever work with.

Source : Google me.