(1) Dip a specially coated tool-steel rod into molten aluminum, then (2) lift it out and (3) dip it into water. (4) Lift it out of water and (5) blow dry. Repeat from (1) until coating fails or 2000 dip cycles, whichever occurs first.
Initial attempt (about one year ago) to model the off-the-shelf clam-shell heater with custom made calcium silicate insulator segments. Furnace is built; model is still a work in progress!
