Tools, Glorious Tools! #11 - The Vacuum Casting Machine
Added 2021-06-01 11:10:12 +0000 UTCG’day folks,
A new TGT for you on the vacuum casting machine I use for investment casting, do please enjoy!
Also, I have put together a selection of hi-res pics of the finished casting as wallpapers, so if you’re looking to brighten up your desktop with something new, then be sure to check them out. (zip file link below this post.)
Cheers, Chris.
Edit: Drawings for the adapter plates: https://www.patreon.com/file?h=51956266&i=8862559
Direct links to the video -
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/557740852/0a16c78b16
Youtube: https://youtu.be/rSLf3MktrvY
-------------- Video Notes: ---------------
Source Information for the design:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGNnH_xbjR4&t=761s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdxiZs0MDbs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RThrVi5q-f8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0yvtw9ERGc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BikL2yIDic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBWHt5Pt5rI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFrWtjMBk7k
Component links:
Vacuum Pump: http://www.jbind.com/products/product-search-detail.aspx?SKU=DV-6E-250
Neutec Flanged Flasks: https://www.riogrande.com/product/neutec-superperf-flanged-flasks-with-cross-bars/702184ngp
Gaskets: https://www.riogrande.com/product/silicone-flask-gaskets/710390gp
https://contenti.com/silicone-rubber-gaskets
Sprue Bases: https://www.riogrande.com/product/rubber-round-button-c-style-sprue-bases/702706gp
Certus Optima Investment: https://www.certus-int.com/optima
Model Links
Leon: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/art/leon-tedalvarez
Oil Lamp Base & Body .stl files: https://www.patreon.com/file?h=51956266&i=8151182
Small to medium studio & home shop vacuum casting machines for comparison:
https://www.riogrande.com/product/rio-vacuum-casting-and-investing-machine/705108
https://www.riogrande.com/product/v-i-c-9-tabletop-casting-machines/705107gp
(Amazon Affiliate links to items used in this video)
Cameras:
Panasonic GH5 - https://amzn.to/2rEzhh2
Panasonic X920 - https://amzn.to/2wzxxdT
Tools & Shop Products:
Optivisor Headband Magnifier: http://amzn.to/2HFg1FU
Norton 1-by-2-by-8-Inch Fine/Coarse India Combination Oilstone, Red: http://amzn.to/2tTEPb0
Digital Caliper 6 inch/150 mm Electronic Vernier Calipers: https://amzn.to/2EArNRU
Generic Dial Indicator 0.001": http://amzn.to/2FOFTyF
Interapid Dial Test Indicator: http://amzn.to/2FPInwH
Saint Gobain (Norton) - 4 Arkansas Stones + case: http://amzn.to/2HCOAMX
Blazer GB2001 Self-Igniting Butane Micro-Torch: https://amzn.to/3f5Gzlh
Consumables:
Tix Solder: http://amzn.to/2G4lUiE
Tix Flux 1/2oz: http://amzn.to/2G85OEZ
Blue Matador Abrasive Paper: https://amzn.to/2IAFiBT
Comments
This is an amazing piece, I love the showcasing of new and old technology coming together to create such a historically inspired piece. Seeing this actually informed to me how the shape of such lamps actually work practically. Teaching moment for sure
SilentMunk
2022-06-22 09:10:32 +0000 UTChttps://www.grobetusa.com/ Tools, Supplies and Equipment for Technicians and Craftsmen Grobet distributors are strategically located throughout North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia.
Ballasar
2021-09-23 12:14:01 +0000 UTCWow. I forgot you post to Patreon now. I missed that voice. Here's one to chew on. Roman dodecahedron. Maybe you can figure out what it was for.
Kevin Reardon
2021-07-15 02:24:14 +0000 UTCIs that a CNC? I saw it cut a perfect circle... Looks amazing! Finally, something I might try!
Borislav
2021-06-08 15:05:59 +0000 UTCYour patience is godlike. The results appropriately divine.
PeetieGonzalez
2021-06-05 06:17:31 +0000 UTCWonderful work.
Luther
2021-06-05 02:20:28 +0000 UTCCheers mate :)
Clickspring
2021-06-04 06:52:32 +0000 UTCYes! Episode I "The Phantom Wax" & Episode II "Attack of The Kiln" still to come. No Jar Jar. Promise :)
Clickspring
2021-06-04 06:52:23 +0000 UTCHa ha! Cheers mate :)
Clickspring
2021-06-04 06:47:09 +0000 UTCCheers Jeff!
Clickspring
2021-06-04 06:46:58 +0000 UTCThanks Gary :)
Clickspring
2021-06-04 06:46:44 +0000 UTCThank you mate :)
Clickspring
2021-06-04 06:46:30 +0000 UTCAh terrific, cheers mate :)
Clickspring
2021-06-04 06:46:21 +0000 UTCgreat movie though, and interesting topic!
Joris van 't Land
2021-06-04 06:44:25 +0000 UTCthis is, actually, the first video where it mimics a kind of Star Wars setup: it first shows you the making of the endproduct, but, as many here, I had no clue what the 3D printer, the vacuum pump, etc was meant for, but as said, I guess we were watching part 3, and later on will see part 2 and then part 1? lol
Joris van 't Land
2021-06-04 06:44:06 +0000 UTCI wish you would stop doing these projects Chris! They're costing me a fortune... I jest Dude I love them, keep them coming. TFS, GB :)
Graeme Brumfitt
2021-06-03 09:42:22 +0000 UTCJust another afternoon project for Chris! ;-) Beautiful work as always. I'm certainly looking forward to the additional detail on the casting process!
Jeff Swayze
2021-06-03 02:50:05 +0000 UTCThat's helpful. And why was the investment in the vacuum in the large bowl prior to making the mold? Is it just to remove bubbles from the investment? Or did I get it completely wrong?
Jan Valecka
2021-06-02 21:17:51 +0000 UTCBrilliant as always. Hope you are keeping well.
Gary Knight
2021-06-02 21:13:44 +0000 UTCCool. I've always wanted one of those. Nice job.
veritanuda
2021-06-02 11:33:27 +0000 UTCThanks, Chris. made my day!
john horton
2021-06-02 07:21:44 +0000 UTCHa ha! We can try :)
Clickspring
2021-06-02 06:31:19 +0000 UTCCheers Ken :)
Clickspring
2021-06-02 06:26:00 +0000 UTCThanks John :)
Clickspring
2021-06-02 06:25:46 +0000 UTCHa ha! Thank you mate :)
Clickspring
2021-06-02 06:25:27 +0000 UTCCheers mate :)
Clickspring
2021-06-02 06:25:10 +0000 UTCMe too! Cheers :)
Clickspring
2021-06-02 06:25:00 +0000 UTCThank you Nat, I will check it out :)
Clickspring
2021-06-02 06:24:45 +0000 UTCIf I rub this episode enough times can I wish for more videos =D
CthulhusDream
2021-06-02 06:23:32 +0000 UTCOnce again, mind blowing craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing with us!
Kenneth Carlile
2021-06-02 02:39:38 +0000 UTCA gentleman named Aladdin called looking for a lamp. Nicely done :)
John Gentzel
2021-06-01 23:47:54 +0000 UTCReally great project, Chris. I was more relieved than disappointed, to find that you made the lion's head finial from a sculptural detail that you purchased. If you had sculpted the lion's head, along with everything else that you do, I probably would have just killed myself. I'm only kidding; nothing you will do at this point will surprise me.
Leonard Solomon
2021-06-01 22:48:58 +0000 UTCOutstanding, Chris! This was awesome to watch. Thank you!
Scott Hutson
2021-06-01 22:05:05 +0000 UTCI can not wait for series about model preparation, investment pouring & de-waxing! :-)
Lev Serebryakov
2021-06-01 21:54:22 +0000 UTCHave you considered speaking to RotarySMP? He recently (in the last few days) released a video on investment casting the Beatles, but had some trouble. It would be interesting if you two were able to work together!
Nat Hough
2021-06-01 20:07:16 +0000 UTCYou may find that RotarySMP's latest video explains it a bit better - investment casting the Beatles.
Nat Hough
2021-06-01 20:04:26 +0000 UTCAh lovely! Cheers mate :)
Clickspring
2021-06-01 18:53:36 +0000 UTCYes the holes are covered. There are rubber sleeves available for purchase from jeweller suppliers, but I generally use a common masking tape. I will show this part of the process in much detail in later videos - Cheers :)
Clickspring
2021-06-01 18:52:53 +0000 UTCTerrific to hear that Leo :)
Clickspring
2021-06-01 18:49:45 +0000 UTCThank you Tim :)
Clickspring
2021-06-01 18:48:56 +0000 UTCWill do so in much detail in later videos, Cheers :)
Clickspring
2021-06-01 18:48:34 +0000 UTCCheers Mike!
Clickspring
2021-06-01 18:48:13 +0000 UTCPerfect summary mate, thank you :)
Clickspring
2021-06-01 18:47:41 +0000 UTCThere are rubber sleeves available that wrap around the perforated section of the flask, or you could also use a wide masking tape as well. The sleeve or tape should extend well above the top of the flask to provide room for the investment (plaster) to expand while vacuuming after pouring which will help remove any bubbles stuck to or trapped in the model.
Daniel J Bostrom
2021-06-01 18:38:25 +0000 UTCExcellent video! A busman's holiday for me as I work as a metalworker at a bronze foundry.
CaptainSalad
2021-06-01 18:33:34 +0000 UTCHow do you get the investment material to stay in the flask? Is there a flexible cover to cover the holes in the sides?
Will Josephson
2021-06-01 17:42:11 +0000 UTCAmazing work (as always). Watcing this made me add one more set of tools to my "dream workshop" list!
LeoMakes
2021-06-01 17:34:57 +0000 UTCBeautiful work as usual! Bringing more history alive. Can't wait to see more of the process as you detail it.
Tim Mullen
2021-06-01 16:43:56 +0000 UTCI wish you wouldn't have skipped the moulding part. Like others, I would have very much enjoyed seeing that part
Stubbs
2021-06-01 16:32:05 +0000 UTCBeautifully done! Thanks for adding to the list of things I want to try when I have time!
Mike Michelizzi
2021-06-01 15:57:56 +0000 UTCThanks! That makes a lot of sense
Liebel Schlesinger
2021-06-01 13:42:33 +0000 UTCThe vacuum helps pull the metal into the voids to avoid pits and helps the metal reach everywhere in complicated castings. The investment, which is a type of plaster is designed to be porous, allowing the air to be pulled through it but not the metal. A vacuum can cause suction within the whole mold and it helps pull the metal and there won't be air bubbles causing voids in the casting
Jonathan Numer
2021-06-01 13:33:00 +0000 UTCI've done it in a home shop but not such a large piece, mostly jewelry
Jonathan Numer
2021-06-01 13:29:56 +0000 UTCPlease make another video on the subject and exactly what the vacuum chamber does
Liebel Schlesinger
2021-06-01 13:28:04 +0000 UTCInvestment is a type of specialized plaster like substance that is used by pouring around the 3D Print or wax model. It hardens then you burnout the model by heating it. So the 3D print was in the white plaster and was burned out leaving the negative shape. He then poured the metal in.
Jonathan Numer
2021-06-01 13:28:04 +0000 UTCThe vacuum helps pull the metal into the voids to avoid pits and helps the metal reach everywhere in complicated castings.
Jonathan Numer
2021-06-01 13:24:42 +0000 UTCMust only be polished by hand. Chris will not be held responsible for any accidents involving genies wrapped around buffing wheels.
Pete Savage
2021-06-01 13:13:53 +0000 UTCThe model has a sprue and gates applied (they allow for the flow of the metal during casting, and you can see Chris cut them off after casting). You then mount the model in the empty flask, pour the investment plaster around the resin model, and allow it to cure for a few hours. It then spends hours at different temperatures in a kiln to burn out the resin and harden the investment plaster (you've now left a cavity in the flask where the model was). The burnout cycle also keeps the flask hot so the metal doesn't instantly freeze when you cast. Once the casting has cooled a bit (dependant on the metal you're casting), you put it into a bucket of water to break apart the investment and retrieve your casting. This lost wax casting process is thousands of years old, and hasn't changed dramatically over time. But as the name suggests, you lose the wax model (or resin model in this case), and making multiple castings requires multiple models to cast from.
Silver Hand Studios
2021-06-01 12:57:06 +0000 UTCBeautiful video as usual, but I'm completely lost. Why the vacuum and how was the mold made? I've done lost foam casting and I've worked with people who do investment casting but it seems like you skipped over two-thirds of the process here. Would you please have mercy on us and back up a few steps?
Ken Potts
2021-06-01 12:26:41 +0000 UTC:) It IS an odd odour. Make sure you use Greek olive oil. It really does smell different to Italian or Spanish.
Jeff Armstrong
2021-06-01 11:57:09 +0000 UTCHow did the 3D model become the mold for the brass? I'm confused, or did I miss something?
Claus Anders
2021-06-01 11:56:27 +0000 UTCHmmm. I found this one a little hard to follow. What is the "investment" referring to? Where did that first 3D print actually end up being used?
Gabe
2021-06-01 11:56:12 +0000 UTCAt no point did I think this was so approachable from the perspective of the home/hobby shop! Gives me horrifying ideas.
Patch Arcana
2021-06-01 11:47:29 +0000 UTCCheers John :)
Clickspring
2021-06-01 11:38:58 +0000 UTCI was surprised at how nicely olive oil burns, although Mrs Clickspring not so impressed with the smell :)
Clickspring
2021-06-01 11:38:47 +0000 UTCThank you mate :)
Clickspring
2021-06-01 11:37:18 +0000 UTCI've been looking forward to this, thanks!
John S Dilsaver
2021-06-01 11:34:45 +0000 UTCFluked it as the first comment (or so I thought). I've got a Greek lamp I got in Athens a couple of years ago but I still have not found a good wick for it. It is smaller than your lamp so the cotton rope you appear to have used is not suitable for me.
Jeff Armstrong
2021-06-01 11:32:40 +0000 UTCAs usual, an excellent video on the subject and I can't wait to see what else you have planned for it.
Gary Johnson
2021-06-01 11:28:50 +0000 UTC
