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Casting #4 - A tailstock ram for my rotary table.  This page shows the casting detail, the project itself can be viewed here.

	28-Dec-2002: Let the pattern making commence.  This is the square bit of the ram plate.  The casting is going to be made with the 1" mild steel bar in situ. Time saver: I'm not going to make a pattern for the tailstock stand, I'll just cast a second vertical bracket and cut the top off.
	29-Dec-2002: The square part of the ram has had some draft added, and the cylindrical section added. The brass sections in the core print (one at each end) are for use with the hard centre in the lathe tailstock.
	30-Dec-2002: Here's the ram pattern ready to go.  The BBC lied to me today, the weather report forecast clouds with bursts of sun.  It was rain with more bursts of rain, so no casting.  Maybe tomorrow...
	11-Jan-2003: This is the drag half of the flask, I'm giving oil bonded sand a go for the first time.  After noting the success of others, I bought a couple of 25kg bags from John Winter to keep me going for a while. The steel core has been left in the mould, I'm just going to cast round it.
	No more water/fireclay sand for me any more.  I cannot believe the difference that the Bentomix sand makes.  There is hardly any parting flash on the casting, no blowouts, shrinks and the detail is excellent. Plenty of flames and smoke though...

I'm pleased the way this has turned out.  After a run of bad castings, this one has given me the confidence to try something a little more advanced.

These pages are maintained by Duncan Munro.  All content on this site is Copyright ©2002-2024 Duncan Amplification.
Warning: These pages consist of images and descriptions of equipment which can reach high temperatures creating hazardous and potentially dangerous situations.  These pages should not be taken as a step by step guide on how to construct any items or carry out any particular procedure, nor should any references to safety contained herein be taken to guarantee safety in all situations.