Recent Content by Tops

  1. Tops
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    Bronze Pour Failure (and how to correct?)

    We were only at 2100F / 1148 C according to the pyrometer. We played with the dross/unmelted top layer in the furnace under power but our tools...
    Post by: Tops, Jun 29, 2025 at 5:28 PM in forum: Sand Casting
  2. Tops
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    Bronze Pour Failure (and how to correct?)

    I am glad there is still hope for mine! :) Daryl has melted brass in that furnace/crucible combination so I am hoping we can turn it up to "11"...
    Post by: Tops, Jun 29, 2025 at 6:39 AM in forum: Sand Casting
  3. Tops
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    Bronze Pour Failure (and how to correct?)

    My project's vent is 4"(102mm) burner tube is 2+1/4" ID ( 58mm). We were not using that/my furnace, I was working with Daryl @Uglydog and the gang...
    Post by: Tops, Jun 29, 2025 at 6:20 AM in forum: Sand Casting
  4. Tops
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    Bronze Pour Failure (and how to correct?)

    Thanks Mark. Here is the one in use: [ATTACH]
    Post by: Tops, Jun 28, 2025 at 7:04 PM in forum: Sand Casting
  5. Tops
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    Casting Failures Galore!

    A casting with a boat on it... both my hobbies at the same time...be still my beating heart! I salute you and your perseverance.
    Post by: Tops, Jun 28, 2025 at 9:29 AM in forum: Lost wax casting
  6. Tops
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    Bronze Pour Failure (and how to correct?)

    Thanks Mark. We did not preheat before skimming. Regulator is a cutting torch type (two gauges and large metal valve). Gas output in the burner...
    Post by: Tops, Jun 28, 2025 at 5:28 AM in forum: Sand Casting
  7. Tops
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    Bronze Pour Failure (and how to correct?)

    Thanks Mark! some more details below, they seem to line up with low temp and low combustion volume. -no ongoing pale blue/greens flames, crucible...
    Post by: Tops, Jun 28, 2025 at 5:03 AM in forum: Sand Casting
  8. Tops
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    Bronze Pour Failure (and how to correct?)

    Hello Everyone, I went to pour some knick-knacks from various bronze plates, bars, screws mostly reclaimed from boats (my other hobby) and had 5...
    Thread by: Tops, Jun 27, 2025 at 5:02 PM, 15 replies, in forum: Sand Casting
  9. Tops
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    Gating lost foam Cylinders

    Thanks Kelly, we appreciate the information. Rainy weather is pushing the casting date into the future.
    Post by: Tops, Jun 25, 2025 in forum: Lost foam casting
  10. Tops
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    Gating lost foam Cylinders

    We are going to wait on coating until tomorrow, so still very open to ideas. I had not considered shrink defects.
    Post by: Tops, Jun 24, 2025 in forum: Lost foam casting
  11. Tops
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    Gating lost foam Cylinders

    Thanks Mark, we had not considered that. We have some cast iron brake parts at our disposal for weights.
    Post by: Tops, Jun 24, 2025 in forum: Lost foam casting
  12. Tops
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    Gating lost foam Cylinders

    Working on a project with @Uglydog, 2.25" diameter x 3/4" bore x 11.25" to be lost foam cast in Alu. Parts to be turned down and threaded before...
    Thread by: Tops, Jun 24, 2025, 6 replies, in forum: Lost foam casting
  13. Tops
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    Match Plate Runners and Gates

    Was the plate used previously? Looks like some nice oarlocks! Off the cuff, I'd probably take half of each gate and move it to cope and the...
    Post by: Tops, Jun 21, 2025 in forum: Pattern making