I think the thing that got me into this hobby in the first place was reading the [amazon_link id=”0960433007″ target=”_blank” ]The charcoal foundry (Build your own metal working shop from scrap)[/amazon_link]. It’s the first of an awesome series that led me to casting aluminum which, somehow, got me into CNC. I don’t do much casting…
Category: foundry
A project to build an improved gingery style foundry for melting and casting aluminum.
Casting the Cube
I ended up cutting two copies of the foam version because the first had a flaw in the foam. The second came out almost perfect and I cast it in aluminum. After cleaning it up on the lathe, I think it looks pretty good.
Recycled aluminum – first casting
I’m still tuning the new foundry but it’s working pretty well now. I did my first real casting with it yesterday. This was also my first full cycle project. Design in CAD, Cut in foam on the CNC router, cast in aluminum. I wish the finish was a little nicer. Next time I’ll take more…
First Fire
Final assembly
I fired the three pieces one at a time in the kitchen oven. A couple hours at about 250 to drive out moisture and about 5 hours at 500 fahrenheit. The bottom section developed a small crack. This is the only section that didn’t have extra re-bar in it. I didn’t add the rebar because…
Refractory lining for the foundry
I’ve been putting this off for a while because I’ve been scared of screwing it up. Oh well, nothing ventured, something something something.
Bodging up a ball mill.
I’ve been thinking about how I’m going to do the refractory lining for the new foundry. Many of the recipes I’ve found on line call for bentonite clay. The bentonite I’ve been able to locate is feed-grade stuff sold at agricultural supply places. It’s small pellets which I assume have to be dried and ground…
Foundry 2.0 – Now with Paint!
A local place in town made me a great deal on sandblasting and paint for the furnace.
Ready for paint.
Haven’t touched this project for a while. Too darn cold and too many other things going on, I guess. Anyway, managed to get back in the shop, finish the welding and get the frame ready for paint.
Foundry 2.0 – Building the frame
I’ve started building the frame and lifting mechanism. My plan is to have the top lid rotate off for adding to the melt. The top two thirds will lift straight up to remove the crucible from the side to pour.