Before starting it is always advisable to heat the mold and use it while warmed. This removes dampness, which can cause the hot metal to splatter and to allow a better flow of metal in the mold. The temperature may vary depending on the mold and metal used but I…
Category: Casting Tutorials
Casting Tutorial: Melting the Metal
Melt the metal over the hob (Fig.1). Make sure metal is dry beforehand otherwise metal may spit and water escapes during melting. An electric hob is preferable for better control of the heat. Clamp molds together (Fig.2) and make sure rough sides of boards are facing into the mold. Do not over-clamp the mold as…
Casting Tutorial: Pouring the Mold
After following the previous two tutorials you should be ready to pour the properly heated metal into a correctly clamped dry mold. Pour the metal steadily, avoid hitting side of the pour hole. Do not stop until the pour hole ‘well’ is full. The weight of the metal in this ‘well’…
Casting Tutorial: Fine Tuning the Pour
After following the previous three tutorials you should be ready to vent the mold to get the metal into those hard to reach places like reins of horses or the bayonets on rifles. In the case of sprues surrounded by a frame you just cut a small vent from the…