Foundry

About our machine

• Details: Custom made foundry. Built from small propane tank and lined with furnace cement
• Fuel: Propane
• Location: on a cart with the Rolling Workbenches
• For use outside ONLY
• This tool requires a safety checkout

Safety

• DO NOT USE BEFORE GETTING PERMISSION FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
• ONLY USE OUTSIDE. Ensure fumes will not enter the building. Do not stand down-wind from the fumes.
• Wear appropriate clothing for hot work
  • All cotton or natural fiber clothing. SYNTHETIC CLOTHING WILL MELT TO YOUR SKIN.
  • Leather boots or shoes are preferred. NO OPEN TOED SHOES.
• Wear appropriate safety gear
  • Shaded goggles or lens. Always wear when looking at glowing objects to protect from intense IR light that can burn your eyes.
  • Thick leather gloves. These should be heavier than welding gloves. Note - the gloves do not permit you to directly hold hot metal, and only serve as a temporary barrier.
  • Leather apron and chaps to protect against splashing metal.
• Treat all metal like it is hot metal! You can't tell just by looking if a piece of metal is hot enough to burn you. Always use the tongs for moving metal until it has fully cooled down.
• EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN WORKING WITH ZINC AND CHROME ALLOYS. Use additional ventilation or wear a respiratory.
  • Zinc fumes can cause "metal fume ever", leading to severe chills and many health problems.
  • Chrome fumes can result in respiratory irritation and other severe health problems.
• Check hoses and fittings for leaks before operating. Use soapy water and look for bubbles at all connections and valves
• Prepare for hot metal and open flames!
  • Limit how much you travel with hot metal. Set up all equipment so it is close by and easy to pick up.
  • Have fire extinguisher on hand. Know where the nearest water source is.
  • Have bucket of water to cool down tools and molten metals.
  • Ensure any potentially flammable objects are at least 30 feet away.
  • Prepare a spot to put down hot objects, use fire bricks, sand, or items that can withstand 2000F.

Casting Process

This is only an overview of the process.

• Setup, melting, cooldown
• Cart location and contents
• Foundry staging
• Tank location and connecting
• Important tools and gear
• Molds