Print PDF
Favorite
Email
Step 2On to the Foundry . . .
With my styrofoam machined to satisfaction, it gets placed in a snap flask, which is a molding box for sand-casting bronze or aluminum. Then I shoveled in foundry sand, which is a mixture of very fine sand and clay particles. Dampened, it holds its shape, which is important.
Much tamping commences, with the handle of the shovel. It's amazing how much sand you can cram in that little box. The fourth picture shows post-tamping, with the snap flask flipped over. Now another piece is added, and the bottom half of the mold is built the same way.
In the fifth picture, we are adding vent holes, so when the hot metal evaporates the styrofoam, there is a place for the gases to escape, as well as a path for the bronze to flow.
The sixth picture shows the crucible a-glowing at about 2,200 degrees.
The last step is pouring, as Andy and Jim handle the yoke and crucible, and Caboeiria stands by to smother any blow outs or spills.
After about an hour, you can break out the mold and retrieve your piece.
Much tamping commences, with the handle of the shovel. It's amazing how much sand you can cram in that little box. The fourth picture shows post-tamping, with the snap flask flipped over. Now another piece is added, and the bottom half of the mold is built the same way.
In the fifth picture, we are adding vent holes, so when the hot metal evaporates the styrofoam, there is a place for the gases to escape, as well as a path for the bronze to flow.
The sixth picture shows the crucible a-glowing at about 2,200 degrees.
The last step is pouring, as Andy and Jim handle the yoke and crucible, and Caboeiria stands by to smother any blow outs or spills.
After about an hour, you can break out the mold and retrieve your piece.
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
 |
Add Comment
|
