Casting what best way ?

[swaps]

Hi all,
What is the best method for obtaing a good cast that needs little clean up ? would cating into plaster be a good idea ? I know it would need to be a thick mould to disperse the heat but would it give a better result that sand cast ? The videos ealier on this forum seem to suggest that sand cating leave the frame needing a lot ot work with millers or lathes.

Best wishes Alan

[NeedleJack]

The best method for little to no work after casting is Lost Wax. There are numerous resources online for this that break the process down. The short and sweet of Lost Wax Casting is a wax mold is made and then Plaster is poured over the wax. Place the mold in the Glass Dome to pressurize the cast and suck it tight against the mold. Then allowed to dry. Place in the burn out oven for 10-12 hrs and melts out the wax. Empty pattern left. Pour in the melted brass, silver, or whatever you wish to use. Let dry. There is your hard copy. Next you would need to make molds. For this you would need a vulcanizer. Etc Etc. Process is a bit complicated but not beyond the scope of everyone on this forum. I will elaborate further when I am not in a hurry to get the family to church. Peace out.

[papadurivage]

^^^^ he speaks the truth^^^^

I've done some lost wax casting.. never machine frames.. but the process is the same.. pretty simple really.. good results..

[swaps]

Thanks guy's,
As soon as I get my next week off im going to give this a try and see what I end up with. Should be interesting if nothing else. I have done cold castin before but never tried to do metal. I am reading up on the proicesses on the internet, can you recomend any good books ? or dvd's would be better, I like to see thnks done. When reading with not being used to the terms used cope, drag ect Im having to decode things as I go along which takes time ! a good how to DVD is what I need. I can build a furnace no problem its the mould making and poring side I need the extra information on. Thanks again.

Best wishes Alan

[voodoo]

look for my old post with the videos.I think it has a link to buy plans!(on a furnace)

[swaps]

Hi Voodoo,
I have seen the videos thanks, they are a little short on the information i need, I reall need detailed information thegate and runner how to place them where to place them. The videos are handy but just skip over the main paoint I need. Looks like I will have to keep reading and learn the terms used so I understand more. I have found many free plans one the links for making burners, so that not a problem.

Best wishes Alan