New Small Parts Casting Setup

[Sigma-LS]

So, with wanting to start pressure casting, combined with a few things I wanted recently on sale, I finally dived in to getting my new setup built and upgraded. I was so excited I just had to share it with you guys.

Now I know this is nothing fancy compared to some setups here, but I don't think anybody would complain for $400 total, most of that being the new compressor that's only as loud as my dishwasher.

Typical harbor freight paint pot, new valves and pump and gauge to let you switch over from pressure to vacuum. No clear top but about $40 in parts for the extra option is reasonable I think.

Compressor just got broken in today and got all the minor leaks in the pot taken care of. Should be ready to start doing some miniature work once April rolls around.

Anybody have a similar setup they can share any potential problems about?

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

Cool! I've only done small uncomplicated molds, but I want to eventually build a pressure casting setup.

 

[Wes R]

Looks good so far. Is it me or does the guy on the pot's label look like Bruce Cambell?

 

[Sigma-LS]

I added another valve to the vacuum end of the setup to let me do a multistage vacuum and I pulled a full 27 inches using my new compressor. (115 PSI to bring it to 25" and shut it, let the tank refill to 115 zap it a second time and moved to 27" and change. Only takes about 3 minutes total. Pretty dang good for a little Venturi pump from harbor freight.I got it to move a little further with a 3rd discharge, but only maybe to 27.6. Might be worth attempting full vacuum with 4 or 5 discharges but I don't know how critical that little extra is on the silicone.

Looks good so far. Is it me or does the guy on the pot's label look like Bruce Cambell?

Sharp eyes there Wes. He did play Autolycus in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and is what I used for this.

 

[Sigma-LS]

Bump to say this stuff is like magic! I know now why you guys say pressure casting is a must for tiny stuff. Vaccing the mixed silicone, then carefully pouring, then putting under pressure until it fully cured. No bubbles AT ALL. Abra-ca-perfect mold! I could cry.

Fixing a couple of tiny leaks that made themselves known over the overnight curing process for the mold, then I get to test out the casting end of things.