Uploaded May 2022 | Updated September 2026, 12 hours ago
When collecting scrap for the foundry, magnesium can easily be confused for aluminum as it is very similar in weight, color, and appearance. The major difference is it is flammable and will start burning with a bright white flame as evidenced in this video. It isn't a very common material, which is why I hadn't encountered any to this extent until now, but it was definitely a surprise! I learned my lesson that ladders can be made from magnesium, and to be very suspect of any scrap that feels more brittle than usual when cutting with aviation snips.
Safety disclaimer: burning magnesium emits ultraviolet radiation, make sure to wear appropriate eye protection and know what you're working with. It's also very hot and will react violently if water or a standard fire extinguisher is used to attempt to extinguish
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Credits to DJ Petesake for the music in this video. Visit his Soundcloud to download the soundtrack:
soundcloud.com/djpetesake/sets/greens-and-machines-soundtrack
Visit greensandmachines.com for more
When collecting scrap for the foundry, magnesium can easily be confused for aluminum as it is very similar in weight, color, and appearance. The major difference is it is flammable and will start burning with a bright white flame as evidenced in this video. It isn't a very common material, which is why I hadn't encountered any to this extent until now, but it was definitely a surprise! I learned my lesson that ladders can be made from magnesium, and to be very suspect of any scrap that feels more brittle than usual when cutting with aviation snips.
Safety disclaimer: burning magnesium emits ultraviolet radiation, make sure to wear appropriate eye protection and know what you're working with. It's also very hot and will react violently if water or a standard fire extinguisher is used to attempt to extinguish
Subscribe to Greens and Machines for more Gardening, Machining, and other DIY videos.
Credits to DJ Petesake for the music in this video. Visit his Soundcloud to download the soundtrack:
soundcloud.com/djpetesake/sets/greens-and-machines-soundtrack
Visit greensandmachines.com for more
