This casting is a symbol of achievement and excellence in the foundry industry. This test of molding skill originated many years ago in the British Isles. Foundrymen there considered molding an art. An apprentice had to spend many years learning and practicing the trade before becoming a Journeyman.
Continue reading “Apprentice Test”After 40 years in the foundry, I have learned and practiced the Four elements of casting. Patterns, molding, melting and finishing. They work together to make a good casting. There are two types of sand foundries, ferrous (iron) and non-ferrous (aluminum, brass, etc.)
Continue reading “Foundry Background”
1. Use the pink or blue high density foam insulation or white bead foam. Carve into shapes and lightly glue together with wood glue.
2. Pack pattern into the drag section of the mold. Stack flasks if you need more depth.
3. Flip mold and ram cope. Remove cope and make two 3/4″ sprue holes directly over the pattern. One pouring hole and the other to release stinky gas. DO NOT make the sprue holes with foam, they must be empty when pouring.
4. Pour mold outside! Throw crunchy sand away, reuse moist sand.
In a large foundry the furnaces operate with a loud, continuous roar. The foundrymen attribute that sound to a dragon that lives there.