DIY press flask ramming setup

Most of my plates are flat with small recesses. I know I will need to do some hand work but the rammer will definitely help. I will be packing up around 50 flasks per week.

 

I looked at Jets rammer and it's listed at 17 CFM. Kind of crazy for a small tool.

 

Michigan pneumatic makes some nice smaller rammers that seem a bit less expensive than the jet models. pretty sure they are made in america as well

The B-00A only uses 7cfm of air with a 2 3/8" stroke

https://www.michiganpneumatic.com/products/125

 

I just purchased one from them. Waiting for its arrival in the mail.

 

Perhaps a picture or two when it shows?

(Sore arms do wish to know... (joke))

 

I paid $425.00 it comes with 1 3/4 butt and I ordered an extra 2 1/2" butt.

 

I made small flask that bolt together. I make flat back patterns to be used with it. Just fill it full of sand...pack it a little...overfill the flask with sand...use a board or plate to squeeze it with press and strike it off flush. When doing vertical the most important thing is keeping molds together so no runouts occur. I am only using 6x6 and 8x8 flask for doing this. Larger flask are harder to deal with and I am limited by the width in my press. I have been sick last few days but will try to get some pics for you in a day or two.

 

Thanks Hope you feel better.

 

Thanks...i grabbed it and took some pics. I will add more to post later.

 

Two things to note...2 inch pneumatic not strong enough...would need much much stronger squeeze..hydraulics preferred...two is the draw...very difficult to get it to draw true...needs four corners adjustable to hold plates true while squeezing and drawing.

 

The press is simple and easy but still need to prepack the sand to get even fill. We do this at work with adjusting the blowing of the sand into the chamber to get an even fill.

 

Ah! Perhaps a picture? The flasks I made were but a bit bigger, and I'm inclined to make some of the sizes you mentioned.

 

Thanks. I saw the pattern on the inside - to help the sand stay put?