This past weekend, my father and I spent some time getting the gas pot on my composition caster fired up. We had a few hair raising moments due to the fact that one of the three gas orifices had been removed, resulting in a giant flame-up about 20 seconds after lighting the burner. After replacing the orifice (which was safely tucked away in a spare parts box) and brazing a small burn hole in one of the mixing chambers.

Well rested and ready for a second go, we put everything back together Sunday. Luckily, things went much more smoothly. In fact, we got the pot filled about 2/3 of the way with freshly melted type. We just need to make sure the thermostatic gas control is adjusted and we'll be ready to clean the pump and make some type!