The Bucket Foundry

[Buddha#81:Me]

I was there for YL's first pour. I have to say it was a let down I was expecting more action with sparks and hot chicks. Still cool to see!

[WilDun]

Pour done, didnt go 100% to plan, but I have got one usable casting

It was still progress, no matter how it turned out, the next one will no doubt be better, keep going!
Was it ironsand that you were using?
How difficult was the mould making?

i got sidetracked trying to make machinable wax - I'm still interested in lost wax method.
Ended up using a redundant electric frypan on full blast to melt milk containers into molten candle wax, seems to be a good start, (we'll soon see when I try machining it!).

[Yow Ling]

the sand isnt what I was expecting, thats what they use at the aluminium foundry, it has clay in it , and breaks if you make a lump from it, I will look out for some others, but this will do for now. Started machining the casting tonight , will be fine for the job

Making the mould was a bit tricky, I learned heaps, the sand was a bit crumbly, so I think a little extra moisturewill help, also need to pay a bit more attention to the draught on the pattern, will do another this weekend and will also pour the investment mould that I forgot to do in all the excitement

[Flettner]

Yow Ling, find some CC601 and cast that ( common alloy ). Then send up a part and I'll put it in with my heat treating if you like, you will see a world of difference in machining and strength.

[WilDun]

the sand isnt what I was expecting, thats what they use at the aluminium foundry, it has clay in it ,

Maybe it was sand that they had already used which had become black? Guess if it was ironsand it might contaminate the aluminium.
Can't wait to do my first pour, but may have to wait to go to my son's bach (crib to you) where the neighbours aren't so close, there's a good outside garage and a big area in front of it where I can do the job.

BTW I wouldn't turn down Neil's offer!

[Yow Ling]

Hi Flettner, Ill go look for some cc601 today, it will be a little while before I send you anything as I want to get a bit better at the mould making first, I can use up my scrap on that first. Thanks for your offer.

[Yow Ling]

Found some cc601 today , was surprised at the cost way cheaper than I thought @ $5 / KG. Go pick up an ingot tomorrow

[Yow Ling]

Almost as exciting as a big block of Hash

[Kickaha]

Almost as exciting as a big block of Hash

But not as expensive

[WilDun]

Almost as exciting as a big block of Hash

A fairly sizeable piece! hope you've got a bandsaw / hacksaw or whatever!
Did you get it from Alcan?

[Yow Ling]

A fairly sizeable piece! hope you've got a bandsaw / hacksaw or whatever!
Did you get it from Alcan?

I got it from Ulrich they have 3 pallets on hand in chch

[WilDun]

I got it from Ulrich they have 3 pallets on hand in chch

What weight is an ingot?
It could be worthwhile my buying one, (might try Ulrich in Otahuhu) except that I'll be casting very small parts, but it would take the guesswork out of things, especially if I've been trying to melt and use dodgy scrap!

Guess that's what Flettner is driving at (knowing what you have for heat treatment) - and if it pours well, machines well and has good strength, then that's exactly what I need.

[Yow Ling]

What weight is an ingot?
It could be worthwhile my buying one, (might try Ulrich in Otahuhu) except that I'll be casting very small parts, but it would take the guesswork out of things, especially if I've been trying to melt and use dodgy scrap!

Guess that's what Flettner is driving at (knowing what you have for heat treatment) - If it pours well, machines well and has good strength, then that's what I need.

Hi Will , its 23 kg cost $112

[WilDun]

Hi Will , its 23 kg cost $112

Ah well, probably worth it but that will be a big decision, it would possibly see me out! - so now I'll have to decide whether I'll be able to keep on casting till that time! ( not really all that old, but have had a few close calls I'm afraid!).

[speedpro]

I had some bits cast in a local foundry years ago using LM13, as suggested by Flettner, and then heat treated. The castings machined beautifully. don't know how that compares with CC601.