casting

The Sand Casting Manual, Volume 2, continues with solidification of metals and why it matters. Specifics of aluminum, copper alloys, brass and bronze are discussed along with solution heat treatment and precipitation hardening. Ductile and gray cast iron are covered.

Gating systems, filters, chills and risers are described along with the design of proper gating systems. Several “hands on” projects include pattern making, match-plates and rubber molds, casting a cylinder head and pistons all in your own back yard!

The plans for a sturdy flask latch are worth the price of the book alone. Historical topics include the details of casting the Ford Flathead V-8 and piston rings. This is a must have reference for the foundry enthusiast, auto restorer, or experienced metal caster!

I made my own foundry a few years ago, and like blacksmithing, my hope is that someday I will have a full time set up shop where I can spend whatever time I desire experimenting in and learning about metal work.

I have a little experience in sand casting, but I really wish I had more.  This is a very valuable prepper skill.  If you can cast metal then you can recreate society.

In A Sand Casting Manual for the Small Foundry, Vol. 1 you will learn how to cast metal in sand molds using simple techniques and readily available materials.

Steve Chastain, a Mechanical and Materials Engineer, shows the beginner how to make a sand mold and then how to hone your skill to produce high quality castings.

Written in non-technical terms, the sand casting manuals begin by melting cans over a charcoal fire and end by casting a cylinder head. All for little cost in your own back yard!

The Sand Casting Manuals are good for both the beginner and experienced metal caster.

I have long stated that Chastain and Gingery are the two authors a diy guy should know.  Both of them are experts in teaching people how to cast metal into useful items.

The ability to cast metal is essential for industrial society.  We need to be able to shape items to our uses.  I believe that it is valuable prepper skill because of that, but it is also fun.

I have a lot of other material on this site about beginning sand casting.  I think it is an invaluable skill for the DIY enthusiast.  I made my own foundry based upon the gingery book and I have learned a lot from this one.