Bisjac what is a efficient way to melt down aluminum cans to make ingots?
propane torch ONLY.
map gas will destroy aluminum faster then it can melt.
a standard pop can is only about 90%ish aluminum. you will have to slag out the junk iron,copper,magnesium,chromium and other junk with a stainless steel spoon.
then pour in some pure borax (sold at any grocery store for 4 bucks) to absorb some more invisible junk. then scoop that out as well.
i cant remember. aluminum melts at like 800-1200 F. really easy. just use a small plant pot and point the flame right at the can. no need to heat up the container itself.
or a stainless steel cooking pot. but it wont get hot enough on an electric range, you will need a gass one. the pot will get hot enough and SHOULD melt the cans.