As mentioned, looking for some advise from those who have BTDT re gating this. The patterns are 3/16" thick for the most part, with the raised portion of the letters being 1/4" tall...roughly 1/16" square. About 7" long if it matters. Currently thinking to gate into the bar at each letter, but that might be excessive? The foam piece represents a runner, which I'm planning to put into the drag...patterns and gates will be in the cope. Any thoughts or comments are appreciated. Thanks, Al
Went through google and the foundry manual and couldn't find anything on a knife gate. Making the assumption that it's a thin/low height gate? Was thinking they shouldn't be more than 1/8" high...more to avoid having to clean up the corner of the bar than anything else. Full length is pretty self explanatory though lol. Any thoughts on putting a full length riser prior to the knife gate? ie...gate from runner into riser and then a short (1/4-3/8" ) full length gate into the pattern. I'm more concerned with getting a good casting than sparing metal. Al
The gate would be the same thickness as the pattern with the runner down the middle. Patterns on each side. Makes it easy to slice off. Something like this.
Here is a Successful Knife Gate used on a larger Plaque about the same thickness,,, as thin as you can go
Thanks guys. I've used a piece of 1/8" plexi glass to form the gates, but attached it with screws so it would be easy to make changes/adjustments. HT1....That's a bloody amazing bit of work.
and for a good cause... Mayor Teske and I served together in the Navy http://montanian.com/top-stories/libbys-wwi-memorial-rededicated/
Finished the match plate and let it dry for a couple days. Gave it a try a little bit ago. Took three tries to get one to pull cleanly, so fired up the furnace and poured it. No vents other than the one riser. Was pleasantly surprised to see them both fill, and the one pretty much turn out. Incentive to keep after it. Thanks for the help! Al
Looks good Al. One is very nice and with a little touch up on that "e", the other will be. I little more ramming and wear in and I bet it pulls clean. God work! Best, Kelly