Metal Casting at Home Part 6 Preparing the Moulding Sand

[TheLoyalSpartanFilms]

thank you for posting these videos, they are very helpful!!

[myfordboy]

@MrStrumhard You can make patterns from foam. The pattern is left inside the mould and vapourises when the hot metal hits it. I have not tried this myself. Downside is you only get one shot at it as the pattern is lost, so if you need several of the same part you would need a pattern for each.

Method is called lost foam casting.

[mckma382]

i went to a local quarry and picked up what they called foundry sand but i have my doubts as it looks like normal sand. when wet it does form well and break smoothly only when i pack it into my cope and lift the cope, the cope comes leaving a perfectly smooth walled box of sand. perhaps i need to add something to the sand? i see both clay and bentonite are added to sharp sand some times.

great videos, im really keen to get into it.

[myfordboy]

@mckma382 Sounds like your sand was too wet.

[kawana87]

Can the molding sand be reused? After casting a part that is.

[myfordboy]

@kawana87 Sand can be reused indefinetly.

[dogfootrot189]

@myfordboy until the clay in the molding sand vitrifies; which increases the porosity of the sand, ad also reducing its gassing qualitis

[jockiron]

Excellent videos.

Where can I buy foundry sand in the UK.

[myfordboy]

Try John Winter ,Halifax. Google will find it.

[SuperAlmac]

@jockiron MUTR sand at £2.96 inc.VAT per kg? They have mail-order delivery.

mutr[dot]co[dot]uk

[formerroulette]

hello, really well done, see you out my videos is intended to visit for you

[mortormarsh]

were could i go about getting some commercial sand for the molds?

[myfordboy]

Cant help with a US supplier, I'm in the UK

[ppgpop]

I had steam problems. And I got rid of them. I use a propane torch and heat up the form for a minute before closing it and casting. That get's rid of any guess work on my side.

Nice vids! I'm also the local fire hazard where I live and enjoy it a lot.

[myfordboy]

Perhaps your sand is too wet?

[ppgpop]

Yes it was. But till it became drier of time I used the torch.

[1pbean]

Another site, I visit, recommends mulling the sand before each use. Do you mull your foundry sand? Thanks!

[myfordboy]

All I do is sieve it and then add a little water. It seems you need to mull it if you have made your own sand by adding bentonite to regular sand.

[1pbean]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I appreciate your time in making these videos. You do very neat work, and I wish you lived next door!

[dudleyengineering]

hello i have been trying to cast my own air cleaner and have been running into what look like a steam problem but the sand is almost to dry to hold shape i have drie the mold out with a propane torch and it still does this . the sand is new made of common sand and bentonite mixture i bought. could this gas problem be an organic material burning in the sand . or am i possible pouring at to high temp cause my crucible is bright red which i dont see in your videos any advise would be appreciated

[myfordboy]

I can't see there is any problem with sand , If the metal is glowing red though it is way too hot. I pour mine as soon as it is melted , ie you can feel no lumpy bits in it with the stirring rod.

Hope this helps.

[dudleyengineering]

i found the problem i am packing the sand to tight thank for the help

[oheix]

A new vid!

I'm guessing river sand would be good as it has rounded, small particles that compact tightly with little air space.

Does adding water make it dangerous as it will expand into steam and explode when you pour the metal?

[myfordboy]

Only enough water is added to make the sand hold together. I used far too much in my first attemps. It turns to steam and forces the metal out of the mould with spectacular results.

[myfordboy]

I think the sand I have is probably facing sand it very fine and shows detail well. I can't help with a supplier as I live in the UK!

[UGLandrum]

Great videos! I am very excited to start casting, you just up'ed my confidence in myself, these vids gave me last little tips I needed to know. What kind of foundry sand should I ask for when I go to buy and what does it cost per pound? Also where can I find it and what suppliers carry it.

[myfordboy]

This is foundry sand. You need to add bentonite or fullers earth to make plain sand usable. I have not tried this but there is information on this on the web.

[freepls]

great video .. where can i get this sand yellow sand (desert sand ) does it work ?