Casting white metal spoons using silicone moulds

[PH]

Kyle, further to this thread, one does not have to cast the spoon in the final shape you have in mind. You can cast it "straight" and, before final polishing, bend it into the required shape. Cover a small hammer's head in soft cloth and tap it lightly on wooden blocks to the intended shape. My personal preference is banana shape.

I don't know if you saw this thread re swimming action of different shapes  Granted, the spoons were tested in a dam and the swimming action may vary in working water.

http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?topic=5947.msg80887#msg80887

[Fish-Hunter]

Thanx for the advice Pierre,I read it abit later as just got
Home from work. I also want to check my mould,I will keep
You posted.

[Fish-Hunter]

It came out perfectly,my only concern is the distance from the bottom. I made it 5mm with cured silicone but I read it should be 13mm according to the pamphlet the lady gave me.


I am going to use it like this for now until I get a better a better moulding container.

[PH]

5mm thick wall should suffice but a thicker wall might make the mould lasts longer. By the way, I doubt that a thick wall thickness will improve surface finish as it is the bubbles near the surface of the mould that cause indentations on the casting. I you intend to do this often, I can post a pic of my vacuum chamber that's made using s fridge compressor and works well. Costs about R 600.
You will most probably find the indentations a bit shocking, but don't be disappointed. Sanding removes them quite easily.

[Fish-Hunter]

hi pierre


Cast my first spoon this morning,thanx again!!

[Fish-Hunter]

I also made an Aluminium mould by hand,here is a pic of the spoon
And of the 2 moulds.

[PH]

That spoon cast in the silicone mould looks very good!! Better than mine.

How about a tut on how to make an aluminium mould.     Or do you have access to a milling machine?
Casting in al. moulds would be first prize. One can see that the finish is much better.

[Fish-Hunter]

Lol,no milling machines involved there. I used a
Pencil grinder,rotary burrs,grinding stones and
Mechanics blue. Oh and plenty of patience....

[PH]

I tried "composite" moulds once using aluminium sheet metal pieces enveloped in a silicone casing to keep them together. "Sort-of" worked but did not pursue further to master the method.

[Fish-Hunter]

hey All,
Here are spoons I am casting for a friend in
Exchange for some white metal.
Current white metal price(w90) is R399/kg
From Non Ferous metals,its herrendously
Expensive.
Anyone out there willing to part with some WM ??

[PH]

Current white metal price(w90) is R399/kg
From Non Ferous metals,its herrendously
Expensive.

PLUS: They are out of stock.!!
 The spoons are looking great!!