Melt the metal over
the hob (Fig.1). Make sure metal is dry beforehand
otherwise metal may spit and water escapes during
melting.
An electric hob is preferable for
better control of the heat.
Clamp moulds together (Fig.2) and
make sure rough sides of boards are facing
into the mold.
Do not over-clamp the mold
as two should be sufficient. Over-clamping can prevent
the escaping of air through the mould. The quicker
the air can escape the better the fill. This can often
be overlooked and lead to gaps in the casting.
(Fig.3)Stir the metal with the back
of a used match (just use the wooden
end) before pouring the metal.
You can tell when the metal is hot
enough when the match end starts to brown
and produces a small amount of smoke. If
the match blackens and smokes heavily, the metal is
too hot and will burn the mold.
Push any slag (floating
scum) away from spout of ladle you
want to pour from to avoid getting the slag into the
miniature body.
Tips to remember:
- Melt DRY Metal using a electric
hob.
- Do not over-clamp moulds. Rough
sides of boards facing into mold.
- Stir with USED match to test
heat. Wait until match begins to brown and releases
a small amount of smoke. Do not OVERHEAT.
- Push slag away from the pouring
spout.
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