Tooltos Red Clay Crucible Bowl | 71mm or 88mm, Gold Silver Copper Smelting
- 99 in stock
Description
Key Selling Points
- Red clay construction provides high-temperature resistance and long service life — the iron oxide content in red clay contributes to its durability under repeated thermal cycling
- Available in 71mm and 88mm diameter — larger capacity than the 62-65mm white and alumina clay bowls, suited for melting larger quantities of metal per session
- Bowl shape allows molten metal to pool centrally for straightforward pouring into molds or ingot forms
- Compatible with fuel furnaces, kilns, natural gas furnaces, coke ovens, and coal furnaces — works across the common furnace types used in jewelry and metalworking studios
- Suitable for smelting gold, silver, copper, aluminum, brass, and other non-ferrous metals
About This Crucible Bowl
Red clay crucibles are a traditional refractory vessel used in metalworking and jewelry studios for small-to-medium batch metal melting. The red clay material — characterized by its iron oxide content — handles high-temperature baking and repeated thermal cycling well, making it a durable choice for regular workshop use. The bowl shape provides a stable, open vessel for melting metal and pouring directly into molds or ingot forms.
The 71mm and 88mm sizes are larger than the 62-65mm white and alumina clay bowls in the Tooltos range, making them better suited for sessions where you need to melt a larger quantity of metal in a single pour. The 71mm is a practical mid-size for general jewelry studio work; the 88mm provides more capacity for larger casting runs or when working with heavier metal charges.
Choosing Your Size
| Size | Best For | Choose If |
|---|---|---|
| 71mm | General jewelry studio melting, small-to-medium metal charges | You need more capacity than a 62-65mm bowl but don't require maximum size |
| 88mm | Larger casting runs, heavier metal charges, batch production | You regularly melt larger quantities and need maximum bowl capacity |
Best For / Not For
| Best For | Not For |
|---|---|
| Melting gold, silver, copper, aluminum, and brass for casting and refining | Sudden temperature changes — always preheat gradually and avoid cold contact when hot |
| Studios needing larger capacity than 62-65mm bowls for bigger metal charges | Industrial-scale production — these bowls are sized for studio and small workshop use |
| Use with gas, fuel, coke, coal, and kiln furnace types | Highly corrosive fluxes that can erode the clay body — check flux compatibility before use |
Technical Specifications
| Material | Red clay (refractory) |
| Available Sizes | 71mm or 88mm diameter (select at checkout) |
| Compatible Metals | Gold, silver, copper, aluminum, brass and non-ferrous alloys |
| Compatible Furnaces | Fuel, kiln, natural gas, coke, and coal furnaces |
| Temperature Rating | High-temperature resistant |
Pro Tips
- Preheat the crucible at a low furnace setting for several minutes before bringing it to full temperature — gradual heating prevents thermal shock cracking.
- Season a new crucible before first use by heating it empty to working temperature and allowing it to cool slowly — this stabilizes the clay body and extends service life.
- Place the hot crucible on a heat-resistant ceramic or refractory brick surface after removal from the furnace — never on a cold metal surface, concrete, or near water.
- Inspect the crucible for cracks before each use — a cracked crucible can fail during heating and release molten metal unexpectedly. Replace if any cracks are visible.
- Dedicate separate crucibles to different metals where possible — residue from one metal can contaminate the next melt if the same crucible is reused across different metal types.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does red clay compare to white clay and alumina clay crucibles?
All three are refractory clay materials suited for jewelry studio metal melting. Red clay contains iron oxides which contribute to its durability and high-temperature resistance. The red clay bowls (71mm and 88mm) are larger than the white clay (62mm) and alumina clay (65mm) options, making them better suited when you need more capacity per melt. Choose based on the size you need for your typical metal charge.
How many times can this crucible be reused?
Service life depends on the metals used, furnace temperatures, and how carefully the crucible is handled. With proper preheating, gradual cooling, and careful handling, clay crucibles can be reused multiple times. Inspect before each use and replace if cracks appear.
What if I have questions after receiving the crucible?
Contact the Tooltos team at sales@tooltos.com. We respond within 24 hours on business days.
What's Included
- 1 x Red clay crucible bowl (71mm or 88mm as selected)
Support
Questions about size selection, furnace compatibility, or order status? Contact the Tooltos team at sales@tooltos.com. We respond within 24 hours on business days.
