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Forums - Modelling / Construction |
The construction forum is for the discussion of techniques on the construction phase of AFV modelling and the tools and materials used. |
| Topics | 1893 |
| Messages | 8728 |
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| Subject: | Re: White Metal? |  |
| Date: | Jan 16, 2003 |
| From: | Rick Young & Carol MacLennan-Young | |
Well, speaking as an old bullet caster in Nova Scotia - white metal suitable
for casting at most temperatures a home modeller would be comfortable in
operating with is likely a high tin content (probably a few other hardening
metals like antimony), lead-based alloy. In a pinch, you can use
wheelweights as a source, possibly hardened a little with 50/50 tin solder.
Look for articles on bullet casting and you'll get all sorts of info on
mixing and fluxing (process whereby a compound like beeswax or parafin is
introduced to the molten mixture and set alight during mixing to re-blend
the metals in the molten mixture, and the "dross" or oxidized metal and
other impurities are skimmed off/discarded).
All sorts of health warnings - well ventilated area, wash hands, don't smoke
(quickest way to deposit lead in the system - vapourize it with your
cigarette and inhale smoke), gloves-boots-thick clothes, etc. personally, I
think that the build up in the system is a bit over-dramatized...California
even put warnings on guns that they contained lead some time back...but
caution is the by word.
You can get hi-temperature RTV that will handle molten lead without problem.
Unlike resin, however, you'll find the vent structure is much more important
if you want any reasonable fill rates on the mold. Oh yeah, the hi-temp RTV
is more like India rubber than normal RTV, so flexing the mold will be
nearly impossible. Something to consider in the design.
Rick
"Pat Shortland" wrote in message
news:3e25f31d@news.track-link.net...
> Does anyone know where one can buy White metal for casting, preferable in
BC but anywhere in canada will do.
>
> Thanks
>
> Pat
> |
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