Orcus
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Posts: 6
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Post by Orcus on Nov 16, 2004 13:09:19 GMT
Hello,
This probably isn't the correct forum for this (It would be neat to have a section on this board just for Mould Casting Hints/Tips/Discussion), but I thought I'd post a thread for people to give hints/tips on casting and what kind of metals people use and tips for how to best use metals of various composition.
I'm new to casting. In fact, all of my stuff is still on order so I actually have never cast anything at the time of this writing. I did buy some nice metal, but I am also being cheap and I located other metal. I have some pewter coming, some pure lead, some 10/90 tin/lead, and some old linotype metal.
My intention is to mix the pewter with the lead. Can anyone offer hints or tips on how to best cast with some of these high lead-low tin content metals? Has anyone used any of these before? Does linotype work well on its own or should I add some tin to it?
Thanks in advance for any comments!
PS I have read the page on metals but I am looking for additional comments. Thanks!
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Post by Bismuth Dirigible on Nov 16, 2004 17:14:34 GMT
Orcus,
It’s always handy to have some tin when you are casting figures.
You can probably get decent cast without it, but since tin melts at a lower temperature adding tin to your alloy is the same as casting at a higher temperature using pure lead.
In other words, by adding tin you can cast at lower temperatures, yet your alloy will remain liquid a longer time in the mold, which ensures better reproduction of detail. Casting at lower temperatures is also better for the mold.
Tin also stiffens up the alloy, so guns and swords and such hold up a little better.
Tin is fairly easy to come by. You can purchase it at most scrap yards for about $2.00 to $4.00/lb. Typically I use a ratio of about 75% lead, 5% antimony, and 20% tin.
Linotype is an alloy of about 85% lead and 15% antimony. Antimony has casting properties very similar to tin.
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Post by Prince August on Nov 16, 2004 18:41:26 GMT
Hello, This probably isn't the correct forum for this (It would be neat to have a section on this board just for Mould Casting Hints/Tips/Discussion), but I thought I'd post a thread for people to give hints/tips on casting and what kind of metals people use and tips for how to best use metals of various composition. Wish granted - never say we don't listen to our members ;D |
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Orcus
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Posts: 6
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Post by Orcus on Nov 16, 2004 22:44:53 GMT
Hello,
Thanks for the reply and thanks for setting up this board!
I am a bit concerned about burning the mold out, so I will try to be careful. I recently purchased 20lbs of linotype off of ebay. I'll play with it and see how it turns out. I'll be sure to post here with my results.
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Post by luftys on Nov 19, 2004 18:18:36 GMT
Good luck with your casting,dont spare the talc  |
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Orcus
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Post by Orcus on Nov 19, 2004 21:59:16 GMT
I just got an order of molds from The Dunken Company. I should get molds from Prince August soon as well. So far here is what I learned from my tinkering... The "model metal" from Dunken is a nice, fool proof metal. It is probably similar to the high end Prince August metal (which I have also ordered, so I'll test it out). The Dunken metal makes flawless casts even with my bumbling first efforts. I also got some 10% tin 90% lead. I had to get it quite hot and I haven't yet mastered my pouring "technique" yet but overall I think I can make this work, though it isn't as desirable. Last I tried the linotype metal, and although it is a little tricky getting the right temp, I started to get a feel for when it was right. I am using a Hot Pot 2, so it doesn't have a temp gauge. Once I got the hang of it this metal made some very nice looking casts, but again it doesnt flow as nicely as the high end Dunken metal. It seems that if I preheat the mold these higher lead ratio metals do better. Overall, so far I am enjoying doing these castings! I burned the hell out of my fingers a few times from being clumsy, though. Anyway I'll be sure to report once I get to play with the Prince August molds. When I do I also plan to write a review for the Prince August and Dunken Molds to post on RPG.net It might be a good way to get the word out about these molds. I just think it is so neat to be able to do this. Oh by the way, in the off chance that anyone here is a fan of Eden Studios games (www.edenstudios.net) you might want to check out my fan page www.gorilladen.com |
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nick
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Post by nick on Dec 14, 2004 19:03:05 GMT
how many times can metal be heated up befor it crumbles?  |
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Post by luftys on Dec 14, 2004 23:07:40 GMT
how many times can metal be heated up befor it crumbles? Well i am not sure :-/my pot has been going for about 10 years an I just keep adding to it,so as long as you dont over cook it,it could be a long time Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year to all |
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nick
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Post by nick on Dec 15, 2004 16:02:01 GMT
???I ment the casting metal
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General Davout
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Stop dreaming after a quiet life ....
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Post by General Davout on Dec 15, 2004 22:24:23 GMT
I know the metal is your main query, and I can't particularly help, only to say I have melted and remelted some figures a few times )five or six) and they are fine.
What I did want to say was I have my original laddle from 1982. I have acquired others since, but my original will still work fine.
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General Davout
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Stop dreaming after a quiet life ....
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Post by General Davout on Dec 15, 2004 22:27:29 GMT
One other point, if you are going to try other metals, do use some model metal as well as the results are vastly improved (the more model metal the better). I have some soldiers made with mostly lead, from a few years ago, and these are now suffering from what I think is called 'lead-rot' ....  |
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nick
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Posts: 26
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Post by nick on Dec 16, 2004 22:26:37 GMT
thanks ;D
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Post by tinman on Dec 26, 2004 15:05:53 GMT
I've recently tested a lead/bismuth mix from an artist's suppliers in London, and I would say that it gives results as good as model metal. I understand (correct me if I'm wrong) that bismuth is pretty important as it expands to fill the mould- this is the special ingredient in model metal too, I think.
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Post by tinman on Dec 26, 2004 15:07:59 GMT
By the way- has anyone reading this ever tried adding elements to Prince August standard metal to improve it's quality? I was given some, but i normally prefer to use higher quality metal.
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rhys
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Post by rhys on Dec 28, 2004 16:08:44 GMT
I live on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. My options for metal are very limited notwithstanding the fact that I live in an urban center. I searched for some time with my options appearing to be limited to pure lead, linotype, wheel weights, and bullet casting lead. Then one day while I was at the local recycler I discovered bar solder in 50/50 and 63/37 tin/lead (1 lb bars). Of the many plumbing supply wholesalers here, I found one that regularly carried the 50/50. That is what I have been using with great results. If I could only convince them to order the 63/37, then I will be as happy as a hog in manure.
Using a Lee production Pot and pyrometer, I cast at 450-550 F. A little tapping and tipping of the molds to make sure the metal gets every place it should seems to give great results. If I can get the 63/37, then the temps are lower.
Our cast figures are either primed and painted or antiqued with a wash/dip of 1 part Rustoleum enamel and 3 parts thinner followed by 2-3 coats of clear coat (this works great for chess and nativity sets).
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