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Post by slackandowski on Jan 5, 2006 13:07:21 GMT
I'm a bit of a newb so bear with me if this is a silly question...
I live in Minnesota. In January and February it can get well below zero. Is there any reason I shouldn't be able to cast outside? Will low temperatures have an effect on my casting? I usually cast in the garage so the temp may be a bit higher than the outside temperature. And I have small children so casting inside is out of the question.
I haven't cast anything since winter started and I FEEL THE NEED TO CAST!!!! LOL!
;D
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Post by spelgripen on Jan 7, 2006 10:40:54 GMT
The mould itself should be warm (over normal room temperature which is about 16-18´C) when pouring the metal into it. So pouring insanly hot metal into frozen moulds might not be such a good idea since it will probably ruin the mould itself, or atleast lower its lifelenght abit. But im just guessing here really.
I've done some moulding when room temperature has been around 14-15´C, which hasnt shown a noticable problem at all.
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General Davout
PA Lieutenant
Stop dreaming after a quiet life ....
Posts: 82 
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Post by General Davout on Jan 7, 2006 16:34:32 GMT
I've occasionally heated my moulds in the microwave before the first casting in order to ensure a better finish. Not for too long though, just enough to ensure the mould is slightly warm to the touch (make sure there is no metal in the mould before doing this!!)
Do you have any form of a heater you could put on in the garage half an hour before casting to heat up the air?
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Post by slackandowski on Jan 9, 2006 15:35:14 GMT
Yes, I do have a portable heater, I'll have to try that. And I do store my moulds inside so they are at least room temperature. Though it does fall well below zero at times so maybe I'll try heating the mould in the microwave as well. Thanx!
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Post by Prince August on Jan 10, 2006 13:03:57 GMT
I have asked our tool expert. He says that cold is not a major factor. Just heat the mould gently before casting.
He does note that humidity is VERY important. Damp can have more of an effect on casting. So if you are casting in a dry enviroment then you should be fine.
Otherwise the mould will get damp and the metal will not flow as it should. Always heat your moulds before using them to dry them as well. Also dry your release powder as well to avoid clumps.
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Post by johnack on Apr 18, 2006 8:42:56 GMT
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carl
PA Lieutenant
Posts: 84
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Post by carl on Jun 21, 2006 2:23:23 GMT
I live in Minnesota. In January and February it can get well below zero. Is there any reason I shouldn't be able to cast outside? Will low temperatures have an effect on my casting? I usually cast in the garage so the temp may be a bit higher than the outside temperature. And I have small children so casting inside is out of the question. I live in Illinois. It's cold here too. However, I might make a few suggestions. First, move away from Minnesota. More things to do in Chicago. For real though you may want to try this. Get a large box, preferably wood. Large enough for a small stand, your moulds, lead, etc. Open one end of the box and place the heater in that opening and you will be creating a small hot box where the temperature should be nice and toasty for casting. Place the mould right next to the heater until your ready to pour. Naturally the front should be open for working room. You will loose some heat but better than nothing at all. I once, many years ago, poured hot lead into a cold metal mould and it cracked. |
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