Aluminum and Stainless Steel Crucible

[Rico55]

I just got my basic aluminum foundry set up, and am using a stainless steel pot for a crucible. I have done several pours without any problems, but seem to get some slag that stays in the crucible after pouring out the aluminum, and it won't come out. The slag doesn't seem to be causing any problems, as I just leave it in, and remelt the next batch, but I would like to find a way to get rid of this stuff so it doesn't contaminate the metal further.
I just read some threads about stainless steel reacting to the aluminum, and am wondering if I should switch to another type of crucible. I have a heavy steel crucible, but it seems like it will take more energy to heat up, and maybe add a different type of contaminate to the aluminum. I know I should probably be using a ceramic crucible, but right now I am not set up with the proper lifting tools for one. What are your thoughts and experiences with metal crucibles for aluminum, and slag control? Thanks.

[beone]

any steel crucibel (ss or other) will be slowly eaten by the Al. Crucibels are replacement items. Iron in Al is not good, makes it brittle. You have to decide what cost to bear.

[metalworkz]

Hi Rico,
Perhaps you could use a ceramic wash on the SST crucible which I believe will leave a protective layer on the crucible. Maybe this could be implemented temporarily until you can get a ceramic crucible? I use cast iron crucibles for aluminum melting when contamination is not a factor. I think for a lot of uses the amount of contamination will not be readily evident nor result in a defective casting, unless a specific grade is required.
Regards,
Wes

[tool_man]

I have been using steel crucibles for aluminum for over 2 years now.Doesn't seem to cause any problems.While the crucible is red hot,scrape the sides and bottom.Works well for me.I have not used any type of coating but,ITC makes a ceramic coating for metal.A little expensive though.