possible foundry technique?

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   I've been thinkin' lately, and i need a project to do for my grade in metal shop. I've decided to make a gearshift, but the only way to do it is with a foundry (already gotten my work done in the machining and welding areas, otherwise i'd lathe it). I've gotten an idea on a technique to do it, but i thought i should run it by the forum first to be assured it'd work and not blow up in my face.
I figure to make a wax model of my gearshift, and then make a plaster mould with it. after heating the wax and melting it out, i'd make the real deal out of aluminum. 
My question: would it work, or would the plaster shatter, or something else go horribly wrong and leave me scarred for the rest of my days? My other question: Is this the right place to post this?  I didn't see a non-paintball tech section.

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wraith14400 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 25 October 2003 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 42	Post Options Post Reply Quote wraith14400 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: possible foundry technique? Posted: 05 January 2005 at 4:19pm
	I've been thinkin' lately, and i need a project to do for my grade in metal shop. I've decided to make a gearshift, but the only way to do it is with a foundry (already gotten my work done in the machining and welding areas, otherwise i'd lathe it). I've gotten an idea on a technique to do it, but i thought i should run it by the forum first to be assured it'd work and not blow up in my face. I figure to make a wax model of my gearshift, and then make a plaster mould with it. after heating the wax and melting it out, i'd make the real deal out of aluminum. My question: would it work, or would the plaster shatter, or something else go horribly wrong and leave me scarred for the rest of my days? My other question: Is this the right place to post this? I didn't see a non-paintball tech section.
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Enos Shenk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member ~-o@ Joined: 10 June 2002 Location: A comfy chair Status: Offline Points: 14109	Post Options Post Reply Quote Enos Shenk Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05 January 2005 at 4:22pm
	I have no idea, ive never tried to cast anything. Itd be cooler to cast some sort of clear plastic (dunno if acrylic melts), and put something inside it. But i guess that wouldnt really count for metal shop heh.


holysmartone Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Gold Member 1 strike- language in posted image 6/9 Joined: 07 July 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1043	Post Options Post Reply Quote holysmartone Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05 January 2005 at 4:32pm
	Im not really educated in mold making... But if you want to give it a try, go out and find yourself some high-temperature plastic and give it a try. As long as you dont dump the mold into icewater, theres no reason for it to explode in your face. Im a little curious how your going to melt the aluminimum and pour it and such.

merc Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member American Scotchy Joined: 10 June 2002 Location: VA, USA Status: Offline Points: 7112	Post Options Post Reply Quote merc Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05 January 2005 at 5:11pm
	you can melt alum in a kilm a buddy of mine told me they made cast alum stuff at his high school... im thinking you would have to make a replaca of it with wax and then make a cast of that out of ceramic or something. then cast the alum... i say ceramic becase ive heard its able to hold liquid metal (and thurmite) edit: i miss read your post sounds good but i wouldent use plaster ask your teacher what to use. 2ndly plastic doesnt like to melt but it will burn nicly if you can do stuff with plastic i would recomend finding a 2 part compound to mix and pour Edited by merc
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