ArtMetal

I would love some feedback from those of you with experience casting stainless steel. I have been involved with casting aluminum, bronze and iron for several years but have never attempted SS. I was recently given @ 350 lbs of 316 SS fasteners which I want to melt and cast. I have constructed a coke-fired cupolette-style furnace w/ a 300lb capacity and barring any oversight, intend to melt in it. Im not certain what to expect when the 316 is melted. Im am certain that some factors will have to be weighed and ask your help pinpointing them.
eg.-When the SS is molten what measures must be taken (fluxes, additives) to retain (relatively- see below) the properties of the original materials??
My main concern for the cast objects is that they are weldable,machinable, corrosion- resistant, and can be finished to a degree of reflectivity that Im familiar with, with this material. As an art object, the casting need not adhere to any particular rigorous performance standard. I have obtained the ASM Handbook on Casting (vol 15) and will certainly conduct research into the subject. However, I feel its pertinent to go directly to the source- artists working in metal.
Thanks alot in advance,
McR