Petro Bond Casting - Web Update Posted

[FrankG]

After many delays, some positive results are posted on casting with PetroBond sand, as well as a bit on a commercial Pyrometer...

http://www.theworkshop.ca/casting/Fo...11/Fndry11.htm

[TinkerDJ]

Very nice Frank. Although i will stick with foam for now. I tried green sand and that put me off using it. Although i have heard petrobond is better. Maybe sometime later.

[FrankG]

Dave,

Obviously I've a long way to go with "Cope & Drag" before it approaches my LFMC experience, but really think that they are different tools in the foundrymans method of getting a job done...

I have a plaque to cast that I doubt I'll ever get right in, even with the Petro-Bond, but know it'll be a piece of cake with LFMC...

I'm just glad I didn't waste a lot of time with home-brew recipies for sand, though it would be rewarding to finally get it right, I needed a proven medium for a Casting course that I'm taking...

[Swede]

Nice web pics, Frank. I've used petrobond for a few years and I really like it. Initially, I tried to mull the burnt sand back into the mix; now, I discard it. Unless you have a muller (I do not), small nuggets of black sand cause problems in the next ramming.

Like you, I was pouring too hot. I used to use a pyrometer, now I simply count to 20 slowly after the last of the aluminum solids have melted. The melt begins to "dance" a bit for lack of a better word, at this point. Then, pour away!

For small details in the pattern, I've taken to using fingers and thumbs to really pack the sand around the details themselves, rather than trusting a ramming tool. I've also found that venting is a LOT less critical with PB sand than green sand, as the gassing (no steam!) is much less with PB.

Have you tried degassing with dry nitrogen or argon, with a stainless probe? It works great!

Thanks for posting those pics.

[foamcutter]

Very nice casting job. Don't it make ya just want to shout WAHOOOO!! Keep up the good work and keep us posted. Ron

[BIll S]

Hi Guys,

Its not that hard to cast metal. some metals cast some what differently then others but its not hard to do. Green sand once you have it the way it needs to be its not hard to keep it that way the only problems with it is if you live north where it gets cold and you dont use it every day the sand pile will freeze on you and the problems that the steam can cause if its to wet or not vented enough. Petro bound is great stuff smaller sand grain size better finish as cast. I have been casting AL for over a year and will be moveing on to brass and bronz shortly as the weather warms up and I find a ingot supplier close by. I have attached a pic of a plaque that I did cast for a friend last summer.

Happy and safe casting

Bill S

[zkrusli4]

Hello.I want to know as much as posible about parmetar cuting for max muller mdw 20

[JerryFlyGuy]

Frank, I know I'm digging up a very [2 yrs] old thread but I'm wondering where you got your petro bond from?

Thnks
Jerry

[FrankG]

Hey Jerry,

I buy from Smelko Foundry Supply in Milton, Ontario...

http://www.smelko.com/

There is a map, address & phone number on the link...

Good Luck.

...fg

[JerryFlyGuy]

thanks Frank! So I take it you picked the stuff up yourself? I'm way over in Sask, not sure if shipping it all the way out here would be too economical..

I'll have to see if I can't find a more local source..

Thanks again!
Jerry