Author Topic: Casting Brass (Read 42906 times)

doubleboost · « **on:** November 16, 2009, 04:41:05 PM »

Hi
I have not posted for a while (work sucks)
At present we are building the Hasbruck no 8 v twin steam engine.
A brass fly wheel wopuld look good having no 5 inch bar to hand we decided to have a go at casting some.
Some fire bricks charcoal and a leaf blower were quickley assembled.
A crucible was fashioned from a length of 5 inch stainless pipe and the fire lit.
After 3 bags of charcoal and 1 hour we had molten brass some brazing flux was added to the mix and a simple mold made from sand.
The metal was poured sadly not enough but it worked.
As the brass cooled we cooked lundh on the hot bricks LOL
I took a light cut in the lathe and was very happy with the results.
Next tine i will try coke as a fuel

Darren · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2009, 08:19:51 PM »

Nice try with the casting. What size pieces did you melt?

doubleboost · « **Reply #2 on:** November 29, 2009, 05:27:20 PM »

After my earlier attemp to cast brass cwe decided to build a propper furnace.
A nice stainless beer keg was accuired the top chopped off and a base constructed.
A start was made on a propane burner (bunsen burner but bigger)

I now need some castable refractory cement any suppliers in north ease \england

Brass_Machine · « **Reply #3 on:** December 05, 2009, 03:48:21 PM »

Nice job. the food does look good...

Was this your first attempt at casting?

Eric

doubleboost · « **Reply #4 on:** December 05, 2009, 05:28:52 PM »

Hi
Eric
Yes this was my first try we needed sone 6 inch brass bar for a flywheel
I did cast some alloy at school (30 years ago)when they let you do things
The bras we cast machined up well just not enough to fill the mold
Regards
John

mklotz · « **Reply #5 on:** December 06, 2009, 01:10:13 AM »

Quote

The bras we cast...

So, what were you making? Costumes for a production of Wagner's Ring Cycle?

doubleboost · « **Reply #6 on:** January 21, 2010, 06:27:43 PM »

Hi
Built a bigger burner i now have some propper heat .
This link should take you to a short video

Darren · « **Reply #7 on:** January 21, 2010, 06:35:45 PM »

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant ....... thanks for showing that ... nice touch at the end too

doubleboost · « **Reply #8 on:** January 21, 2010, 06:38:27 PM »

You have got to enjoy your self lol
John

andyf · « **Reply #9 on:** January 21, 2010, 06:49:31 PM »

That was a super video, and a great final outcome (the casting looked pretty good, too

).

I suppose you will be able to turn the patio central heating radiator off for a day or so, while the furnace cools down.

Seriously though, thanks for showing it.

Andy

doubleboost · « **Reply #10 on:** January 21, 2010, 07:07:49 PM »

It may have been a lot cheaper to buy a lump of 6 inch brass bar , but not nearly as much fun.
I am now looking to cast cylinder covers and valve chest covers.

CrewCab · « **Reply #11 on:** January 26, 2010, 04:49:38 PM »

Quote from: doubleboost on January 21, 2010, 07:07:49 PM

It may have been a lot cheaper to buy a lump of 6 inch brass bar , but not nearly as much fun.

Exactly ............ Well done lads

CC

doubleboost · « **Reply #12 on:** January 26, 2010, 06:43:11 PM »

Cylinder covers
We are starting to enjoy melting metal

Brass_Machine · « **Reply #13 on:** January 26, 2010, 08:31:24 PM »

Nice job! Want to try that sooo bad. One day!

Eric

rleete · « **Reply #14 on:** January 27, 2010, 12:31:38 PM »

Me, too. The one thing that is stopping me, is that I already have so many projects. Getting into yet another would mean they all suffer even more time deficit.

Nice finished part. I have one quibble, though. You spent all that time on the casting, and yet machined it all. It looks too good - no evidence at all of the work that went into making the casting. I'd say you should leave the outside diameter in an as-cast state. I know I'd want to, so I could point to it and say, "I made that from scratch".

Darren · « **Reply #15 on:** January 27, 2010, 12:45:46 PM »

Quote from: rleete on January 27, 2010, 12:31:38 PM

Me, too. The one thing that is stopping me, is that I already have so many projects. Getting into yet another would mean they all suffer even more time deficit.

I could not have put that better as I too would love to have a go at casting ...

Quote

I'd say you should leave the outside diameter in an as-cast state. I know I'd want to, so I could point to it and say, "I made that from scratch".

Yeah, that real "scratch" init

Artie · « **Reply #16 on:** February 18, 2010, 06:20:07 AM »

I just had to say well done guys. This is an extremely rewarding facet to our hobby and I'd encorage anyone with an ounce of common sense to have a go. Pics attached of the cylinders for the latest build 25mm bore 40mm stroke from start to finish. Cheers and good luck. Artie

doubleboost · « **Reply #17 on:** February 18, 2010, 06:53:21 PM »

Very nice

Artie · « **Reply #18 on:** February 19, 2010, 07:50:38 AM »

sorry Boost, didnt mean to hijack your thread, just hoping to inspire those who might want to have a go at casting...

doubleboost · « **Reply #19 on:** February 19, 2010, 06:59:20 PM »

Hi
Artie
Nothing to be sorry about , the more posts the better ,this casting is certainly interesting stuff.
I have been making casting flasks all week (i hate working with wood).
I am hoping to cast a brass name plate for the house ,if i can keep the wife happy all will be well.
Regards
John

doubleboost · « **Reply #20 on:** May 03, 2010, 10:55:50 AM »

Hi
Visited Rob Wilson yesterday
He gave me some good advice regarding casting

Stilldrillin · « **Reply #21 on:** May 03, 2010, 01:01:11 PM »

Loved it!

Thanks for showing.....

David D

Darren · « **Reply #22 on:** May 03, 2010, 01:33:32 PM »

Me too, bet that was good fun day...

two Q's, whats the skewer poked into the sand for .. air escape

and what was the black stuff you sprayed ... a release compound

Rob.Wilson · « **Reply #23 on:** May 03, 2010, 04:50:52 PM »

Hi John

Great video ,,,,,,,,,,NICE ONE

Thanks for giving me the chance to pop over to your shop

,,,,,,,,hope to see some photos of tonights casting

Regards Rob

Dean W · « **Reply #24 on:** May 04, 2010, 12:08:20 AM »

That's better'n anything on TV. Ever. Thanks a lot!
You could do as many of these casting videos as you like. Great stuff.

Who's the lucky feller chomping on the bacon sandwich?

Dean

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Author Topic: Casting Brass (Read 42906 times)

Rob.Wilson