metalmania

Metal Working Decisions - Do You Cast or Fabricate.

2006-04-15T17:01:00.001-07:00

To Cast Or To Fabricate.

Some metal working projects have a fine line between the decision of whether to sand cast have you ever had a project where you cannot decide whether to make a complex pattern and attempt to sand cast. Or to leave the casting equipment in the corner, and decide to fabricate the part instead.

Now, when you learn the tricks and techniques of sand casting, you are normally hell-bent on casting everything in sight....have you ever thought that the part or project you about to embark on may possibly be quicker to fabricate than to make a new pattern, then go through all the mould making processes, then melt, and finally pour the molten metal.

There have been several times in my workshop where the latter (fabricate) has been the most economical, and the quickest way to produce an item in steel, instead of cast aluminium. The biggest problem that I have noticed with a lot of hobby casters, is the lack of machine tools to carry out fabrication operations.

Now I don't mean to denigrate those that do not possess general workshop fabrication skills or equipment, as you may never have had the opportunity to learn them, but it is not that hard to learn how to operate the following machines.

And the essentials ones are:

Bench or pedestal drill complete with drill table vice and a good set of high-speed steel drills.

The usual workshop hand tools, (to many to mention)

A small oxy-welding set, and possibly an arc welder 150 to 200 amps.

Bench grinder (1HP) fitted with a linishing belt (multitool)

And if you can afford one...

A small screw cutting bench lathe, which can be bought from dealers or private sales. This item mayseem like an expensive luxury item, but it will pay for itself many times over, believe me.

I may have mentioned in a previous newsletter that the more metal working skills you acquire the easier your metal casting becomes, simply because you are able to produce so many items of tools & equipment your self. All the projects detailed in our hobby foundry ebook can be built using basic workshop skills.

If you are really serious about building all of your own gear or fabricating special tooling etc, then why not use the vast resources offered by the tech colleges in your own community. Enrol in the night classes, whether it's to learn welding, machining or whatever, there are hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gear sitting idle in these colleges, so make some inquires, enrol, and get to use some of the gear bought, and installed by your hard earned taxes.

To learn more about all kinds of metal craft visit:
http://www.myhomefoundry.com

Metal Working Decisions - Do You Cast or Fabricate.

2006-04-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

Bench or pedestal drill complete with drill table vice and a good set of high-speed steel drills.

The usual workshop hand tools, (to many to mention)

A small oxy-welding set, and possibly an arc welder 150 to 200 amps.

Bench grinder (1HP) fitted with a linishing belt (multitool)

And if you can afford one...

A small screw cutting bench lathe, which can be bought from dealers or private sales. This item mayseem like an expensive luxury item, but it will pay for itself many times over, believe me.

Home Metal Casting For The Hobby Metal Worker.

2005-01-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

The practical hands on creative person will enjoy the personal
rewards of the ancient craft of metal casting.

Armed with the correct knowledge it is quite feasible to melt
and cast metal in the home workshop, thousands of people the
world over are involved in it right now... there's no reason
why you couldn't try your hand at hobby metal casting too.

But don't attempt metal casting if you have no prior knowledge,
or experience in this field, you need to learn about the basic
techniques and methods used in this ancient metal craft.

There are also many personal safety aspects to consider, remember,
you'll be handling molten metals at extremely high temperatures.
There is an element of danger involved in the hobby, but with a
commonsense approach to safety, and by being extremely careful,
accidents should not happen.

So just where do you learn about hobby metal casting techniques?

There are many books available about the subject, some are highly
technical and perhaps difficult to understand. Many books are
written purely for the metal casting industry, the hobby worker
would find industry specific technical writing very difficult to
understand, and find it next to impossible to reduce the high-tech
writing down to a hobby level of understanding.

One of the best ways to learn the craft is to have, or arrange
for someone to train or coach you, over a period of time in
your own small foundry...you'll quickly learn how to create
sand moulds, how to build equipment, and many other things that
you need to know.

But, for most people, one on one mentoring is just a dream.
And, as time goes on, there are less people around to provide a
personal hands on method of teaching metal casting.

The only way most people can obtain this kind of training is by
enrolling in a foundry course at a trade school, and trade school
tuition, while being very good, could be an expensive option for
many people. Some people, due to distance from trade colleges, may
find it impossible to attend a trade teaching facility.

What is the next best option for someone wanting to learn about
the fascinating craft of Metal Casting?

The internet is one of the great providers of information
today...there are thousands of web sites on the net which deliver
information on all kinds of subjects.

You need to find one that is specific to the information you
are searching for.

While some web sites list hard cover books for sale, which can
take many days, or even weeks to be delivered, the ultimate
way to get the information you want almost straight away is by
downloading high quality, subject specific information in ebook
form, which focus on the best practical methods to use for
consistent results.

Information rich ebooks can be downloaded and installed on your
computer with all the information you require in less than 10
minutes.
And all within the comfort of your own home, there is no need to
fight your way down to the local shopping centre, or put up with
the never-ending streams of traffic on the roads.

It's just so easy to order and pay for ebooks from your own
computer.

With just a few clicks of your mouse you'll have all the information
you'll need to get you up and running with hobby metal casting in
no time at all
.
One of the most popular hobby metal casting web sites on the net
is: http://www.myhomefoundry.com this is an Australian owned web
site, which provides quality information for the hobby foundry
worker. You can also sign up for the free ezine while your
visiting the web site.

The information seeking hobby foundry worker can download free
ebooks as samples to read before deciding to buy the full version
ebooks.

The author also provides ongoing consulting service to help
the novice through the early learning period...very few ebook
authors provide that kind of service, and you certainly wont
get service like that from any other book reseller.

The best start you could make right now would be to visit the web
site above and start learning about your new hobby of metal casting.

The Home foundry
Waldara
Australia
colin@myhomefoundry.com