Author Topic: Why I love casting (Read 12851 times)

Jonfb64 · « **on:** March 05, 2015, 12:59:53 PM »

Hi chaps,

Problem: my e-bay purchased lathe came without a cover for the head stock among other missing parts. Having got it working and able to access the wear in the bed which was minimal i decided it was time to fire up the furnace and make a cover.
The original covers were made of plastic and by studying the pictures on lathes.co.uk I created a pattern from mahogany salvaged from some internal doors.

Here's a picture

it's dirty because its been used to make a mold

and here's the results

twice

left image not enough metal in the pot and the right one not hot enough to fill the mold

I haven't done much casting in the past couple of years but it soon comes back to you what to what out for.

Repaired the pattern

And came up trumps with this beauty

RobWilson · « **Reply #1 on:** March 05, 2015, 01:06:13 PM »

nicely done

Rob

dsquire · « **Reply #2 on:** March 05, 2015, 01:12:21 PM »

Jon

That lathe will work much better with a cover that says "Made in England". Looks like you made a fine job of it.

Cheers

Don

Manxmodder · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2015, 01:18:40 PM »

Jon, that is indeed a beauty,hope you post some pics of it finished and fitted.....OZ.

Jonfb64 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2015, 02:51:20 PM »

Thanks guys its nice to be appreciated.

heres some more eye candy

cut out for the v belt

cut outs for the bearing blocks

and fitted in place

Originally I tried to build the cut outs into the pattern but couldn't work out how to do the casting in green sand. It could probably be done with sodium silicate sand cores which i considered learning. In the end I stuck with the green sand (home brewed) and cut out the extra metal using my wood working band saw. There's nothing wasted as the bits will go back into the next project.
I think it needs a bit more sanding.
What do you guys think, should I paint or leave au naturel.

Jon

dawesy · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2015, 03:01:45 PM »

Awesome work :clapping:

dsquire · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2015, 03:07:59 PM »

Jon

Just give it to Rob Wilson and let him do his camera smarts on it. It won't need no painting, only occasional pollishing.

Cheers

Don

RobWilson · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2015, 03:24:42 PM »

Quote from: dsquire on March 05, 2015, 03:07:59 PM

Jon

Just give it to Rob Wilson and let him do his camera smarts on it. It won't need no painting, only occasional pollishing.

Cheers

Don

its all Microsoft Paint Don

looks great with all the cut outs and on the lathe Jon , dam good fit buy the look of it

, needs a coat of paint

Rob

I also liked how you showed the ones that did not work out

, thin sections in can be a pain .

awemawson · « **Reply #8 on:** March 05, 2015, 03:43:44 PM »

It's all been said all ready, but I'll say it again, that's a very nice bit of casting

angus · « **Reply #9 on:** March 05, 2015, 04:08:30 PM »

what make is the lathe ???? looks like the headstock of one i used to own

mattinker · « **Reply #10 on:** March 05, 2015, 04:22:04 PM »

You've been having fun, great bit of casting!!

Regards, Matthew
i

Jonfb64 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 05, 2015, 05:26:37 PM »

Hi Angus,

It's an Acorn, Atlas 10f clone. Plenty of info on lathes.co.uk. Came with lots of broken bits but all the important parts were good. I've been gradually putting it right I'm not restoring it I'm making it work for me.

Jon

micktoon · « **Reply #12 on:** March 05, 2015, 05:51:48 PM »

Hi Jon, i agree with the others, lovely job and looks like original part, I would paint it though

Cheers Mick

doubleboost · « **Reply #13 on:** March 05, 2015, 06:00:04 PM »

Very nice
It is a nice feeling when a good one comes out of the sand
John

vtsteam · « **Reply #14 on:** March 05, 2015, 08:04:21 PM »

Excellent!

Meldonmech · « **Reply #15 on:** March 06, 2015, 06:29:15 AM »

Hi Jon
Your headstock cover has turned out good.
Well done
Cheers David

vtsteam · « **Reply #16 on:** March 06, 2015, 08:21:22 AM »

Jon, what lathe is it? And did you cast your own pulley (upper left)?

Jonfb64 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 06, 2015, 12:18:36 PM »

Hi Steve,

It's an Acorn which is a British clone of an Atlas 10f. Plenty of picks on lathes.co.uk. The pulley on the left is home cast as well and just like you I started with Dave Gingery's brilliant books and built his lathe. I have a half built shaper under the bench which I have to finish. I've been distracted for the past few years and not done much serious casting but now I'm back and going to finish.

Jon

vtsteam · « **Reply #18 on:** March 06, 2015, 07:10:20 PM »

Okay Jon, I thought so, and it's coming back to me

I think I once said we have a lot in common -- Craftsman 12" (Atlas) lathe, Gingery lathe, shaper I need to get working, casting, etc. You made a really great pattern, and fine thinwall casting, and your cutouts were pretty sweet, too!

Looking forward to more!!

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Author Topic: Why I love casting (Read 12851 times)

RobWilson

RobWilson