I’m trying to take a chamber cast starting from a half-pound ingot. Is there a preferred way to break/cut/melt off a small chunk to start with? All the videos I have seen already started with a small chunk.

Thought about using a Dremel or hacksaw, but given that it has toxic heavy metals in it, spreading cuttings all over the place doesn’t seem like a great idea. I also don’t want abrasive chunks from a cutting disc to get mixed into the Cerrosafe.

Not sure how strong it is and whether a piece could be broke off somehow with a hammer and/or chisel.

Also thought about just melting the whole ingot and just scooping out what I need.

Also considered using a torch to cut off a piece, but I’m afraid I’d exceed the temp and cause the alloy to separate.

Any suggestions?

No do not cut it, melt the entire ingot and use what you need and pour the rest back into your fav ingot mold.

Thanks, that probably is the best idea. I may have an old pot I can use somewhere.