"Bearing bronze." Suitable for casting?

[Terry C.]

A couple of recent projects have left me with several bronze bushings.

I have no idea of the composition of the metal, other than the description "bearing bronze." These bushings are used on heavy equipment, and are solid bronze.

Would this be a metal suitable for casting a small barrel? I probably have more than enough for a golfball-sized mortar.


Years ago I used to get tons of these and they all went to the scrap yard. Nowadays the cheap 'bi-metal' bushings have all but eliminated the good solid bronze bushings.

[Powder keg]

I've melted 660 Bronze with good results. The main trouble I had was being able to get it hot enough. I had 1 wheel turn out great. The other 3 froze before the cavity filled I plan on using it for some future projects :grin:

[Cat Whisperer]

I noted you said SOLID bronze; not at all like the porous bronze from the standpoint of oil.

I once machined a bronze bushing to fit the pilot shaft of a 1964 MGB transmission to fit a 1973 engine.  Not realizing the situation, I was much surprised at all the smoke from the oil getting hot as I turned it to size!