9 Things I Didn't Know Before Building a foundry: Casting 101
Ғылым және технология
Casting fundaments, these are some things I had no knowledge about when I started. There are some things I wish I knew before I started melting metal.
00:00 Its a furnace not a foundry
00:18 Aluminum cans are trash
02:17 Green sand Vs Petrobond
04:58 Sand casting Vs Lost wax casting
07:28 Metal Shrinkage
8:59 Quenching Ingots
09:19 Concrete and Molten Metal
10:58 Brass vs Bronze
12:39 Hydrostatic Pressure
14:21 Don't follow the king of random, No salad Tongs!
Пікірлер: 987
great vid that said Zinc funes most certainly WILL kill you. we lost Paw Paw Wilson the blacksmith due to zinc fever. go ahead and google him and his death.. it WILL kill you and it will also make u wish it had killed you. be VERY careful with zinc fumes folks.
@lundgrenbronzestudios
11 ай бұрын
I’ll pin this so people can see this comment and I’ll make a link to that story.
@RedDogForge
11 ай бұрын
@@lundgrenbronzestudios thank you
@user-gl5kj1fm5x
11 ай бұрын
Also some bronzes and brass include lead to improve machineability and wear
@andrewstambaugh8030
10 ай бұрын
It's also worth noting that *while people may be used to things like acetone fumes, zinc fumes have a much much lower tolerance point* before you poison yourself. You won't notice it as it's happening, you will notice it hours later - when you begin to have the worst flu-feelings you've ever had, but it might take several weeks to go away, even with medical support. Sidenote: if you are welding something galvanized, use vinegar to de-galvanize it (minimal effort but expect at least 1 day soak or more)
@markshort9098
10 ай бұрын
@@andrewstambaugh8030 hydrochloric acid works much better than vinegar and it's quick
As a person that worked as a mold operator in an aluminum foundry for four years, everything in this was spot on and concise!
@grantstonnell1179
2 ай бұрын
Except for a foundry is the building, what he has built is called a furnace. It's like people saying smelting instead of melting when they are casting stuff 😂
@SubvertTheState
2 ай бұрын
Just out of curiosity, where did you work? Haha I worked at an aluminum foundry for about a year as a Homogenizer Operator.
Pro tip for welding brass, ditch the tig. It welds beautifully with oxy-aceteylene and a slightly oxidizing flame. The excess oxygen eliminates the zinc fumes entirely, plus it doesn't pop spit or do any thing else weird. This is the process that I use to repair antique radiator tanks.
@lundgrenbronzestudios
9 ай бұрын
I need to get a torch. Brazing is something I want to learn.
@Taskarnin
4 ай бұрын
@@lundgrenbronzestudiostorch setup is cheaper than a TIG welder but there’s a decent number of safety items to be aware of.
@MAGATRON-DESTROY
2 күн бұрын
@@lundgrenbronzestudios you should, Brazing and welding with oxy acetylene is awesome and you can make some really good looking stuff. As long as you don't use too high of heat you won't cook the brass. Brazing alloys have a lower melting point than the metal you are Brazing and with prep and good flux you can do epic brazes. Welding with oxy acetylene can make really good looking welds on steel too, almost as good looking as tig and you can weld thin stuff and is more portable than other processes
@MAGATRON-DESTROY
2 күн бұрын
@@lundgrenbronzestudiosat harbor freight you can get a Victor knock off that works with Victor tips and comes with everything except bottles. I went to school for it but you sound capable and practice makes perfect
Safety equipment and practices include: - leather apron (leather is sufficient for this temperature range) - welding gloves - leather sleeves / arm guards - full length pants, long sleeves and clothes of natural fiber (melted plastic, e.g. nylon or polyester, sticks to skin) - face shield Assume that molten metal will spill or splash at some point: - leather boots with thick soles - leather spats for shoes so molten blobs don't drop in - clear away any clutter - concrete can spall (even if it doesn't look moist) because molten metal can flash moisture into steam; best to use a box or tray of dry sand - never put your head over the furnace; a gasping reflex can pull superheated air into your lungs and cause blistering (doesn't work well for breathing) - bucket of cool water you can stick a hand or foot in to stop burns from getting worse - someone around to call 911 if needed; show them how to turn off the furnace - nobody talks to and distracts you when handling molten metal. If they think that getting you to screw up would be funny, they can come back later. You'll probably be fine, however spills and splashes happen, crucibles can crack, break or be dropped; metal can leak out of molds (high hydraulic pressure for dense molten metal); you can trip on things. Put a little effort into taking some basic safety precautions.
@lundgrenbronzestudios
11 ай бұрын
Yep that’s good advice. I always wear a face shield, leather jacket, long pants, don’t pour over concrete, I spread sand out if I use a lot of metal but usually only melt small amounts and I adjust accordingly. That’s a good list. I’ll pin it so others can read it.
@DeathValleyDazed
5 ай бұрын
Your detailed safety standards will save me much pain and agony.
@Truck_Company_84
3 ай бұрын
Honestly, I would just use a proximity suit at that point. Especially a Fyrepel or Newtex garment.
@bigbomb5904
2 ай бұрын
Does a welding jacket work in place of a leather apron
@user-di4bt7qu2i
Ай бұрын
I would consider this an essential post. Thanks for your excellent advice!
This video should be "required reading" for anyone melting metal. This channel should be subscibed to by all foundry wannabes. Always love the way you openly share your ever expanding wealth of knowledge. Also good to see so many foundry tubers commenting here and sharing their great knowledge as well.
@gusdeng6082
8 ай бұрын
Agree. Wannabes .Take care.
@DeathValleyDazed
5 ай бұрын
As a new foundry wannabe your caution comment is literally a life saver. Now I’ll be engineering ventilation and safety into my hobby foundry. Thank you much!
@ericstoner9255
Ай бұрын
You are wannabes. It’s a hobby, no one is trying to get rich. Quit being an ass about watching a video. Both of your asses.
Great information! Its so nice to see a non clickbait video that doesn't waste peoples time :D
WOOOW hold up, you mentioned engine parts for aluminium alloy, which is true HOWEVER caution is advised, those block can be made out of magnesium as well, which will burn your whole shop down. So be careful guys, just saying.
@paradiselost9946
11 ай бұрын
no it wont. ever tried to set a lump of magnesium on fire? unless you are heating it to boiling point, its fine. ribbon burns as its easy to get it melting, vaporising... then igniting. anyway, for those that are still wary... vinegar. it reacts with vinegar. aluminium does not.
@sierraecho884
11 ай бұрын
@@paradiselost9946 It is harder to ignite a lump of it instead of shavings and powder for sure. HOWEVER it is absolutely possible. People died in professional environments due to magnesium fires. I wouldn´t do it at home. You can even produce black powder at home and other dangerous stuff I just wouldn´t do it. It is a real risk.
@erikcourtney1834
11 ай бұрын
I’ve done a lot of work at an aluminum recycle plant. In particular i worked around the aluminum mag bin doing a lot of cutting and welding. Had a few sparklers come up but never a fire or explosion. The plant said to be carful and keep an eye out. But said we was ok to perform the work. Not 100% sure who’s right or wrong but I didn’t have a problem with it. I don’t think there’s enough magnesium content in the said aluminum to be that hazardous
@sierraecho884
11 ай бұрын
@@erikcourtney1834 Certain motor blocks are not made out of aluminium but magnesium instead. It´s not an alloy containing a little bit of magnesium, it is a lot. Magnesium burns at about 600°C when you melt down a chunk of it, which means it burns like hell you can not extinguish the fire. That´s why it is used in thermite and other military applications. Just typie in Magnesium on wikipedia, it´s not like I just came up with some crazy idea about magnesium. Example of alloy G-MgAl8Zn1 (AZ81) / G-MgAg3SE2Zr1 (MSR) / G-MgTh3Zn2Zr1 (ZRE1) etc. They all contain about 90% Magnesium rest is Al Zn Mn Si Zr
@erikcourtney1834
11 ай бұрын
@@sierraecho884 I never said anything about engine blocks or pure magnesium. There is many things we use daily in life thats made of mostly aluminum and but contains .5% -13% magnesium. Pretty sure no one is casting pure magnesium at home in there garage.
A whole video packed with usefull information and tips without all the rambling nonsense filler. You have achieved something very rare on youtube and I appreciate that. I hope your channel gets the attention it deserves and Thank you
@DeathValleyDazed
5 ай бұрын
Great comment for great YT producer!
Fantastic. Thank you. I've been circling the idea of casting for a long time. These are the videos the world needs more of. Why is a tictok star getting millions of views for eating a tide pod, but this video, providing actual skill and information, is not. Just ridiculous. Please never stop! And thank you.
Excellent content. Show us more of this, the tricks of the trade, the casting issues, vent holes etc. I have not begun yet, but I have my furnace and basic gear, just need more education before I fire it up!
@lamgod
10 ай бұрын
So how’s the casting going?
@FuhrChris
10 ай бұрын
You need a copy of "Metal Casting: A Sand casting Manual for the Small Foundry. Vol. 1"
@michaeltomsa-musatin
10 ай бұрын
@@FuhrChris Thanks for the advice. I have a huge catalogue of scientific papers from Academia on that very topic...mostly from industrial research on metallurgy and means and methods of sand casting of machine and engine parts that are odd shaped. I am studying the topic as much as possible before firing up the furnace...I will get a copy of that manual, thanks again!
@gusdeng6082
8 ай бұрын
If you live nearby.I could get you safely started. I am semi professional.Now retired. Live in Singapore. Ran a compressor assembly plant. Won a tender bid. Had to cast Auto condensate traps for 300 air compressors. Champion dealer sold me a sample at USD 100.whereas my budget was USD10. Together with my men built gas fired furnace and cut Cast Iron to pour.. Orders kept pouring. Pouring Aluminium is no fun.Very hot.
So much excellent information. I’ve been working on my own “what I didn’t know” video for beginners, can melters, and ingot stackers, and you hit the great points on the head.
This video needs way more attention from people who do metal casting! I myself knew just about everything you talked about already. Now if I only had more time to put this knowledge to use, so many projects I have waiting to be finished or even started. 😅 Thanks for all this great info! 👍👊
Thanks for this most informative lesson. I bought a little furnace with the intention to cast in lost wax. Your videos are my lessons on how to achieve my goal. I'm at the stage of preparing the furnace, crucible and making the dross scoop, crucible ring, etc.. Your videos have made me aware of the dangers and precautions to take.
Great advice!
This is one of the most informative videos I have come across detailing troubles, dangers and nuances of smelting and casting. Thank you for spending your time and sharing your experience!
I've been doing bronze casting awhile, and some of my mistakes were explained well here(hydrostatic pressure and shrinkage). very useful and entertaining, AS ALWAYS.Thanks
The best video for us who had to learn some facts on our own, break things in the process and spend a bunch of money in repeating attempts. This simply explains it all. Thank you!
You have a fantastic journey going on, thank you so much for sharing, I'm retired Skill Trades, and multi media artist, and I thoroughly enjoy watching things that I never got around to doing. AWESOME 😎
This is some mighty informative video. As I am about to get into casting myself (just tiny personal curiosity projects) I really appreciate a lot of those tips as they just saved me a lot of screwed up tries. Thank you very much for making this.
I just started dipping my toes into casting and your video is the first I have seen that was USEFUL! Your presentation comes across as friendly and helpful and not condescending. Great work. I will be following you for more info.
Just started researching this craft and I must say , after watching at minimum 10 others this 1 video had so much more information then all those combined. Thanks for sharing and best wishes in your work.
Wow, what an excellent video on foundry basics! As a beginner, this was an incredible learning experience for me. I love your explanation and how it's practical and easy to understand - it's clear you know where newbies should start. I'm happy I found this before going down the rabbit hole of other content. Your video has given me the confidence to explore more about the trade and see how others do it on KZread. Thanks for enlightening us, and keep up the great work!
Very informative! I cast 35 years ago. I have forgotten most of it. If you don't use it you lose it. Thanks again.
Thanks again for taking us on your casting journey, you are fun and informative, a great combination 👍😊
You've really expressed your learnings well in this video. It would pay for people to take note. Well done!
Thanks for making this; lot of important information regarding health/safety - better safe than sorry :) Looking forward to see more content from you!
Well said, nicely explained. Love it 👌 have a good one 👍
Have learned more watching this video than a lot of others. As a sculptor who knows a lot of this, having practical first hand knowledge that was earned by trial and error is priceless. Great video. Would love to chat more when I get my own foundry going
Brilliant education on casting. I now realize there is much more to casting than merely a small gas furnace. Thank you so much. You have saved me a ton of money !! I will look for a foundry who can do the casting work for me
Hi I’m just about to start my casting journey. I have made my furnace almost ready for burning. I will go with brass. Anyway. You just gave me a lot to consider before I head diving in to the unknown. Thank a lot. Was a really straight forward education video. I have learned quite few important things Well done 👍
@lundgrenbronzestudios
11 ай бұрын
Have fun and don’t breath the white smoke! Try not to over heat the brass.
Thanks for making this video!
@lundgrenbronzestudios
Жыл бұрын
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching
Thanks for your practical advice and information. The English grammar and the outline that you used was perfect in my opinion, and also enjoyably to listen to. Thanks for a great video.
@lundgrenbronzestudios
16 күн бұрын
Thanks for appreciating it!
What a great video! I have been home casting for many years and I know all the points you have raised but I think for a newcomer this is a go to video and you explain it perfectly. Well done!
Excellent stuff! 👍👍 I will add that a respirator shouldn't be optional or only for melting brass. Melting and casting puts out all sorts of bad stuff in the air that isn't good for breathing.
I have pored over so many online resources, but none have been as helpful and straightforward as this one - thanks!
Finally! Someone who talks in a language of crafters! You don't HAVE TO have a high quality setup, but if you want high quality end result, it's going to take an investment of either money or time. Thank you sir. This is the exact kind of informational video i like.
As an experienced Bronze Caster, I found your video spot on. You covered pretty much everything! Great job.
@lundgrenbronzestudios
20 күн бұрын
Thank you!
Thank you. I think you have saved a lot of lives and heartache, myself included. I was going to venture out into this bullion making but will now do so cautiously. God bless you, Sir!
Fantastic! Neatly summed up the majority of the topics that should be prevalent on a beginners mind when considering this hobby. I was gonna start just welding up some old tanks to make an oven so to speak, but thank you for saving me hours of trial, error, and frustration!
Man, I appreciate the calm and approachable delivery of info here! Thank you!
Best video of intro things for casting that I've ever seen. You put a lot of content in those 15 minutes. Thanks!!
Nice, several aspects I was aware of, though some I hadn't considered and I appreciate the knowledge of technique and safety passed along. Thank you.
Thanks for the shout-out regarding the ceramic shell. Happy to help!
That was the most helpful video I have ever seen. You answered all the problems I've been having. Thank you so much.
Amazingly high quality video! So much great information, so nicely packed. I actually watched the whole thing...and without skipping ahead...which I never do. Bravo!
Great info, I started with thinking yeah "I've heard all this", but then it got into much more specific information that is great to know getting into it even if you aren't going to utilize it yet
I did a little sand casting years ago as part of some machining study. I wanted to be able to make some parts for antique restoration, so I was looking around for info. I really like this video, simple , concise information. I watched a couple of others and they’ve help a lot. Good vid !
@lundgrenbronzestudios
12 күн бұрын
Thank you! Good luck!
As a wannabe and a willbe, great video and reason to pay attention to detail when I start setting up shop, Thank you!
This is the pinnacle of what the Internet was made for. Stellar information and presentation style. Instant sub. Looking forward to learning more from you and your amazing work 😁👍🏻
So nice to see the many safety tips and lots of information!
Dude you just saved anyone looking to get started in this hours of headaches. Thankyou very much. Very good presentation and very well put together. I’d love to see some more videos on the lost wax casting and learning to cast hollow
@jamesbizs
11 ай бұрын
Because google doesn’t exist right? Tho is just jumping into this without googling how it’s done?
Wow, if I could send myself a video two years back it would be this one.. So many crucial lessons in here and great explanations about casting. Thank you very much, you've earned my subscription!
Thank you for an excellent well thought out video for the beginner. About to purchase my 1st forge to form large round stock aluminium bar to turn parts in my lathe & wasn’t sure where to start. I will start with a quality set up with safety in mind. Thank you again.
There's tons of priceless info in this video for a beginner. Thanks for posting!
Love it, I'm founder since 2007. This is great video for people starting up. Keep up the good work
Thank you for all the free knowledge from experience!
Anyone looking to make and/or use a foundry to melt metals on a small scale would be wise to watch this descriptive video with many examples shown. This is a no nonsense video with more information about foundries than I have seen in any other single video, much of which I have never seen or heard. While not a step by step guide on how to make or use a foundry; there are many facets of foundry use including casting which are covered providing usable pro level tips with an emphasis on safety and on quality of results.
Wow first video I watched on casting Have not done casting in over thirty years. Great advice. Great shared lessons learned
That was great! You brought up several issues I would not have considered. Great job!
You provided a very informative video. I have been interested in metal casting for a long time. The basic instructions you have provided will help make my future work much more rewarding, and I can plan for a safer foundry and a safer working environment. Thank you very much. Your video is greatly appreciated.
I've never seen such educated tutelage. I've saved your video and subscribed. Never knew any of this. Glad i found you before setting up my work area. Thanks for the great video.
This has been one of the most helpful videos I’ve watched. Thank you
I found this information very useful. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Just about to get into casting, and all te tips are very helpful. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences very helpful I've been trying to start doing this as a hobby much appreciated it 👍
Very informative. I'm not into casting but I like to learn new things.
Wow this was incredibly helpful, there are so many bad practices out there, thanks for addressing some major concerns for beginners like me
I've always kinda wanted to try something like this. Spelling out all the 'rookie' stage mistakes is a huge help!
By far the most informative video I've come across on this topic! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
My first learning video. Fantastic information, Thank you!👍
I knew a lot of that, but I really surprised by the things I didn't know and hadn't thought about. Great video, excellent explanations, thank you!
Great, to the point and perfectly delivered. Thanks.
Great information and well presented. You touched on some great points that other videos often gloss over.
Solid advice, thanks for your video!
I didn't know the term hydrostatic pressure. I've watched so many videos about melting metal. I have a ton of knowledge and zero experience. That is what you have taught me. Thank you! 😊
Wow! So much quality info delivered so concisely! ❤
Spot on ! valuable info for anybody starting out. Greensand once conditioned you keep it in an airtight tub and it will always be ready. Bronzes are normally copper/tin plus numerous other metal depending on use.
@lundgrenbronzestudios
9 ай бұрын
Most bronze castings now days are silicon bronze. Tin bronze is a common bronze but not used as much in most foundry’s today.
Thanks for sharing your experience. A lot of important information for security measurements.
Absolutely fantastically done and safty was placed right out front. Very professional, well done!❤
Neat. I really like how you did this video, it genuinely feels like passing on lessons learned.
This vid was so informative! Thank you. I learned a lot.
Congratulations! I’ve been watching KZread videos for years and I rarely if ever thumb up a video but if I could, I’d give yours 100 👍🏻’s. Very down to earth and informative.
Great video. Thanks for the lessons!
I've been in the home furnace hobby for some 6 years now. this video is easily one of the best gap fillers in information that's out there. i find with a lot of topics in the diy sphere, there's a lot of assumed knowledge in a lot of hobbies. I'm thumbing this.
I've been watching all of your videos. I made a Furness and have cast several things now with limited luck. This video has taught me more than all the rest combined! I'm just getting into this and having fun. Your stuff is amazing!
@lundgrenbronzestudios
Жыл бұрын
That’s wonderful! Keeps having fun and learning. That’s all I do.
Damn good info! I really had no idea that there were sooooo many things " I didn't know before I started" thanks for the lessons man!
Extremely helpful and relatable 👍
Thank you. Very useful for someone who was thinking about melting cans to cast household objects.
I learned several things today, Thank You! Im going to change the way I do a few things because of your video.
Of ALL the KZread videos I’ve seen, over many different topics/hobbies/crafts/skills, this has got to be one of THE best I’ve EVER seen!!! It’s both clear and concise, making it informative and understandable. There is an inherent humility with the delivery, that I appreciate VERY much. Too many KZreadrs let ego and personality get in the way, or spend the entire video yelling at you. I’m very grateful that you shared your opinions, while leaving me with the informed choice to decide for myself. This is my first video of yours, so I’m excited to see more. Keep up the great work!! 😀👍
@lundgrenbronzestudios
Ай бұрын
Thank you for the kind words!
Thanks been wanting to try this but you covered all the questions I did not even think about good looking
I have yet to even start working with metal and I just want to thank you in advance for the simple yet important truths that you have provided me. Job well done my good man ! JOB DONE QUITE WELL!!!
Fabulous! You've covered the most important parts for anybody to start casting. Of course there is more but this is just great! Thumbs up!
@lundgrenbronzestudios
11 ай бұрын
What would you suggest I cover if I did a second video?
Great info, thanks for sharing.
been melting metals for a couple years now. your video is good info for anyone.
Thank you for that. Very informative.
Thank you for sharing such a wealth of knowledge. May God bless you and your family. Have a great week ahead.
Absolutely informative. This was one of the best videos that I have seen really help me. Avoid a lot of mistakes. Thank you for the time and patience to make this video. You are awesome
Incredible video. I wish more guide videos were direct and as informative as yours. This legit has the feel of the helpful videos you used to find online before 2021