I thought I would post a final update, thanks everyone for your help again. I cast all the parts for this project out of aluminum and later...
I have some mixed news from my attempt this weekend. I got all the data, but the act of observing the temperature and filming combined with more...
Getting ready for the next casting video... [IMG] [IMG] [IMG] [IMG]
The kiln was showing something around 800F when I wrapped the shell in a ceramic blanket and took it outside to a 68F ambient temp. I must have...
You are right, that pyrometer doesn't have a Fahrenheit mode, it's always in C. Melt was around 800C (1472F) and I poured in 30 seconds with...
The results are in: Fig. 1: first attempt, cold shell, ceramic blanket, 780F pour [IMG] Fig 2: second attempt, pre-heated shell to casting...
I had no idea the regulators were luxury items :) Just re-reading this thread to look up someone's earlier advice on removing powder coating from...
I replaced every part of the system, and finally traced the problem to the regulator. I don't actually understand the construction of high...
I have this burner: https://www.ebay.com/itm/DFC-GAS-BURNER-blacksmiths-forge-furnace-foundry-raku-kiln-propane-farrier-knife/251433316975 Today...
I tried the nozzle again and I guess my impression was wrong last time, it does seem clogged. I bet the gas just builds up inside of the hose...
I got the new shells prepared in half the time thanks to the advice I got here about putting several coats per day, but then my forge stopped...
This is starting to get really complex :) I will try pouring into one cold shell and one 700F shell and see what happens.
I usually pour at 700. Jason mentioned earlier that "1500 is hot enough to do the job. Once you pull it out, I bet it will lose a couple hundred...
Everything you suggested worked - thanks again for sharing your expertise! Looks like we got one final problem with a frozen surface in parts of...
I believe that shell had 7 layers on it (definitely 6 that I remember). Two with small-grain and four+ with large-grain sand. I will stop using...
Autoclaving didn't work - maybe you have some ideas why. I did go on to try and vitrify the shell that didn't shatter and had a few cracks, but...
Last couple weeks work was crazy and I am terrible at making quick decisions, so I broke a bunch of equipment and ordered wrong supplies. While I...
The autoclave process using a pressure cooker works amazing for UltraVest, I will video the results for shell casting to see if that still holds....
I am planning to use the DIY autoclave (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MCLRFQW) to de-wax and a manual ceramic kiln for vitrifying. Now that you...
I apologize, by burnout process I meant the whole thing from wax evacuation to pouring (i.e. preheat to 100, hold 2 hours, ramp to 2000, hold 2...
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