THE PRODUCTION OF FURNACE WITH LOCAL SOURCED MATERIALS FOR CASTING METAL SCULPTURE

Abstract

This study was necessitated by the high cost of purchasing and operating foreign made furnaces by Fine and Applied Arts Departments in Nigerian Tertiary institutions. Consequently, upon this, a furnace was designed and fabricated for Sculpture foundry with a view to providing an alternative furnace for founding using locally sourced materials. The research attempts at constructing an efficient furnace by enhancing the energy efficiency and cost. The researcher started with gathering of information for the research, which came from both primary and secondary sources. The primary sources were mainly oral while the secondary sources were from written materials. Materials used for the furnace were sourced locally and was technically constructed based on improved local technology. Source of heat energy was from cheap fuels- charcoal and waste engine oil with combustion air from electric fan blower. The furnace was tested and the heat energy produced was up to 1000oc . Bronze melted within one hour. In addition, it is easy to operate, repair and maintain. It is also energy efficient and economical. This project calls for more researches in this area of study and in line with Nigeria’s quest for self-reliance.