Pattern making Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:11:22 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:11:22 +0000 The Home Foundry http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?forums/pattern-making.29/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:50:55 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/waxing.3071/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/waxing.3071/ invalid@example.com (Bruce Mowbray) Bruce Mowbray
Thanks!]]> 2 Sun, 07 Sep 2025 19:23:09 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/diy-shrink-rules.3038/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/diy-shrink-rules.3038/ invalid@example.com (Tobho Mott) Tobho Mott
Pretty simple to do. First I used a couple dots of super glue to stick one of the rulers to my healing mat just over the edge where a square could line up against it. Then to make the 3/16 per foot rule I marked the back of another ruler at 12 3/16" from the end. Then I used a few...

DIY shrink rules]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2025 13:25:42 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/trouble-finding-small-letters-3-16-high-have-them-cncd.2262/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/trouble-finding-small-letters-3-16-high-have-them-cncd.2262/ invalid@example.com (Melterskelter) Melterskelter
I can add draft with paints and shellac as long as I can get the letters neatly applied. The "stencil" resulting from lasering the letters I had made is too loose to really assist in...

Trouble Finding Small Letters---~3/16" High Have them CNC'd?]]> 62 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 05:45:04 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/match-plate-runners-and-gates.3011/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/match-plate-runners-and-gates.3011/ invalid@example.com (John Homer) John Homer View attachment 25692 View attachment 25693 Question for the group.
I have purchased this match plate and would like to know where the recommended sprue should be placed? Should I put in two sprues for each runner? or join them?
Also should the runner be in the cope or drag? I've seen it done both ways in other plates.
Any suggestions are appreciated.]]> 7 Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:03:36 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/learning-patternmaking.2978/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/learning-patternmaking.2978/ invalid@example.com (Mburtis) Mburtis
I would love to learn more about traditional pattern making. Are there any good resources out there? Something like the navy foundry...

Learning patternmaking]]> 8 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 21:24:58 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/3d-scanning-objects-for-reproduction.1494/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/3d-scanning-objects-for-reproduction.1494/ invalid@example.com (Mach) Mach these scanners recently and successfully scanned an old plaster mini sculpture.


I was very impressed by the detail that it extracted so I'd thought I'd share. My goal is to upsize my old sculptures in bronze.

The original is about 3-4...

3D scanning objects for reproduction]]> 36 Sun, 23 Mar 2025 21:28:55 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/using-actual-part-for-pattern.2972/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/using-actual-part-for-pattern.2972/ invalid@example.com (Mburtis) Mburtis
Now I could carve it out of foam and lost foam cast it. Which I might try just to see how it works and that might actually be the easiest/fastest. I could cast in some of the details I would otherwise have to machine. I could also carve a wood pattern fairly easy and simplify the uncastable...

Using actual part for pattern]]> 3 Sat, 21 Sep 2024 20:41:12 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/gating-for-small-bronze-parts.2902/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/gating-for-small-bronze-parts.2902/ invalid@example.com (Tops) Tops We pulled out 100's of bronze screws and a fair amount of bolts and threaded rod.
I collected a large coffee can full and wanted to melt it down and cast them a little something from it.
I can add some cleaner bronze from another boat if needed.

Large part is 3.28 x 1.25 x .165" ( 83 x 42 x 4.2mm)-going to make this one 2-3-4 (?) on a new plate
gate is .5 wide x .165" deep (13 x 4.2 mm)
well is 1.27 x...

Gating for Small Bronze Parts]]> 7 Thu, 11 Apr 2024 14:54:35 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/3d-printed-patterns-or-wood.2830/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/3d-printed-patterns-or-wood.2830/ invalid@example.com (AndyOverPartsPro) AndyOverPartsPro I am an entire newbie trying to get started making some patterns. I have been trying to determine, what exactly is the benefit of 3d printed patterns versus wood patterns? What are all the pros and cons of each?
Its not like I would be doing any amount of production, so how well they hold up over the years really does not matter as this will probably be a once and done casting. By the way, the cheapest method is the most appealing to me.
Any tips or advice would be appreciated.]]> 34 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 20:29:12 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/marking-gauge-for-patternmaking.2827/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/marking-gauge-for-patternmaking.2827/ invalid@example.com (Tobho Mott) Tobho Mott
I doubt it works any better than the cheap marking gauges you can get for $20 at Home Depot, but I didn't have one of those yet and this was way less infuriating than a trip to the orange hell. And hopefully it looks a little nicer.

The pattern was made of dollar store clipboard MDF and bondo, with a few coats of shellac and some paste wax.

View attachment 24120

View attachment 24121

View attachment 24122

Cast in brass that I had left over from the...

Marking gauge for patternmaking]]> 2 Sun, 18 Feb 2024 14:25:49 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/ht1s-pattern-library.1936/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/ht1s-pattern-library.1936/ invalid@example.com (HT1) HT1
If you like what you see, please just hit like, if you have questions ask, but please if you want help or have a major issue idea, start a new thread, so we don't get way off target


we will briefly go over my storage, as it is a critical issue and requires more planning...

HT1's Pattern Library]]> 17 Sat, 21 Oct 2023 00:15:46 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/making-core-boxes.2712/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/making-core-boxes.2712/ invalid@example.com (HT1) HT1
Dave Clark Quoted "I would make a male core stick and pour a plastic core box. You can get Plastic from Freeman Supply. I use Repro 83."

this Idea still has me just flabbergasted in the simplicity, make a male core (model) and pour a box , you could use PoP for most pieces. this is so Game changing, things...

Making Core boxes]]> 4 Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:44:04 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/3d-sign-software.678/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/3d-sign-software.678/ invalid@example.com (oldironfarmer) oldironfarmer
My goal is to be able to type text and change fonts with the software. It doesn't really have to have draft capability as I can use a tapered cutter.

What's your recommendation?]]> 14 Wed, 23 Aug 2023 14:57:21 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/a-3d-scanning-project.2647/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/a-3d-scanning-project.2647/ invalid@example.com (Rocketman) Rocketman I put together a mobile scanning setup:

Laptop
3d Scanner (s)
AC Powerbank
3d scanning spray
Nylon bristle brushes

The object I was looking to scan is a 13hr drive away. I rented a place nearby to serve as basecamp.

Here is the subject:
View attachment 23155

It measures ~20" x ~13"
I have both a Creality Lizard and Revopoint MINI 3d scanner. The lizard is reliable and has good tracking but loses some detail, especially on the smaller...

A 3d Scanning Project]]> 8 Fri, 18 Aug 2023 22:59:03 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/3d-scanner.2644/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/3d-scanner.2644/ invalid@example.com (Matth) Matth
I have to say, the level of detail is pretty fantastic except for my son's face where I realized telling a 6yr old boy to hold real still is kind of pointless.]]> 10 Thu, 22 Jun 2023 18:44:33 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/using-silicone-molds-to-make-eps-patterns-for-lost-foam.842/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/using-silicone-molds-to-make-eps-patterns-for-lost-foam.842/ invalid@example.com (rightbug) rightbug
My ultimate goal is to cast a brass ball-peen hammer using lost foam casting and it quickly became apparent that with my limited tools and skill set, sculpting a decent foam model wasn't going to be possible. My research into...

Using Silicone Molds to Make EPS Patterns For Lost Foam]]> 54 Thu, 22 Jun 2023 15:00:03 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/a-good-method-for-finishing-fdm-3d-printed-patterns.2267/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/a-good-method-for-finishing-fdm-3d-printed-patterns.2267/ invalid@example.com (Rocketman) Rocketman
The materials & equipment:

Bondo Spot Putty
Cheap Airbrush (harbor freight, $10)
Acetone
High build primer
Good ventilation/PPE

So the basic method is as follows:

Work in a well ventilated area free of ignition sources (you are aerosolizing Acetone, albeit in relatively small quantities)
Sand the 3d print with a coarse sandpaper to remove the high spots
Fill & sand any major problem areas with regular bondo if...

A good method for finishing FDM 3d printed patterns]]> 22 Mon, 29 May 2023 16:04:38 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/where-to-split-this-pattern.2587/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/where-to-split-this-pattern.2587/ invalid@example.com (G3j) G3j
I can't figure out what the pattern should look like. The drawing shows the hub, rim and spokes drafted to the back side. That would imply the whole pattern would draw in one direction rather than being split. But then how to I get the shape of the spokes at the front, as well as the hub extending proud of...

Where to split this pattern?]]> 10 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 13:44:20 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/2-stroke-cylinder-core.2456/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/2-stroke-cylinder-core.2456/ invalid@example.com (Gradella) Gradella i'm looking for advice about core boxes design.
I designed my own 50cc 2 stroke cylinder, and since i'm too poor to pay someone to study and manifacture all the necessary stuff for casting, i'm trying to model and create the core boxes by myself via 3d printing.

I've already tried some prints and coated them with a special filler, and the results were good: optimal roughness, perfect alignment and coupling.

The problem is that since this is my first experience...

2 stroke cylinder core]]> 4 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 15:31:03 +0000 http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/core-print-design-for-bell.2447/ http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php?threads/core-print-design-for-bell.2447/ invalid@example.com (Tops) Tops Thinking about casting a bell as a gift for a bell collector in the family.
The core print would be about 2.6" [67mm] tall and round in a tapered shape, part wall is about 3/32"[2.4mm] and will be in aluminum.
Wondering if the base for the print (dark gray) and pattern (tan) at .75" [19mm] tall is enough?
Thinking about 3D printed patterns and core molds and 2 to 5 % 2:1 epoxy in fine sand for the core material.
Thanks!
View attachment 21663]]> 8