Microwave melting of metals. Reid Technique, bronze, silver and gold casting. Smelting in a Microwave. View Photo Gallery I know, I know: You've been warned never to put metal in a microwave.
There is some merit to this notion, particularly when it comes to food—metal reflects microwaves and prevents them from reaching the thing you're trying to heat. Microwaves also can ruin metal accents on fine china and can initiate electric arcs across some metals, which oven-makers consider a fire danger. Nonetheless, I recently found myself inspired to attempt microwave metal melting—and, for reasons too complicated to explain, the inspiration struck on a visit to San Francisco.