Build a foundry and sand-cast aluminum.

Step 11 Foundry Feng-shui.

There are a million possible misfortunes waiting in a foundry, and you can eliminate almost all of them by being prepared.

I have here some pictures of my foundry set-up and running, as well as some pictures of me operating it.

Notice that the cords are held away from the walkspace with a bucket so I won't trip on them, and that the water and aluminum (i.e. conductive materials) are on the other side of the walkspace.

You need to be able to walk in a complete circle around the furnace without bumping into anything.

The water and mold need to be where you can reach them quickly when you need them, but not so close to you that you bump them.

If you've done all of the above, it's finally time to start up you're furnace!

Comments

[canis]

cannot stess the importance of a face mask here. no matter how well prepared you are, unexpected s#!+ happens. a cheap lexan face mask from a local welding supply is a lot cheaper than skin grafts - and a hell of a lot less painful.

[canis]

P.S. i got my degree i bronze casting specifically, and i have a ton of experience with all manner of aluminum casting. i know whereof i speak.

[Fenris The bbw]

Thanks for the advice. You can get a degree in casting? That's awesome, I'll have to look into that.

[canis]

Not bronze casting specifically, no LOL. But bronze was my emphasis in my sculpture degree, which is as close as one gets, I suspect.