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.

My university recently built a new building for its sculpture department, and has placed the foundry furnaces directly under a sprinkler system attached to the outdoor hood in our courtyard. It seems likely that the furnaces will set off the sprinklers as they are placed now.