The Home Machinist!

JohnHudak wrote:

FLtenwheeler wrote:Hi Harold

I use silicon bronze ingots for locomotive parts. I have been using Shapeways "White Strong & Flexible Plastic" for the wax. (LOL) I am having very good luck.

Tim

The white plastic burns out just like wax..? Doesn't shapways print in wax also?
John

Hi John

Yes, the plastic burns out clean, but it does stink. Luckily the work shop is not attached to the house. The Shapeways wax is for small objects and is very costly.

Tim

I was able to get some work done on the drivers. The axle hole is bored and reamed to size. Now to cut the keyways.

Tim

JohnHudak wrote:

FLtenwheeler wrote:Hi Harold

I use silicon bronze ingots for locomotive parts. I have been using Shapeways "White Strong & Flexible Plastic" for the wax. (LOL) I am having very good luck.

Tim

The white plastic burns out just like wax..? Doesn't shapways print in wax also?
John

The wax is much more expensive than the plastic. Plus, you can make only small parts in wax.

Very interesting, Tim. What temperature do you use to burn out the "lost plastic", and for how long?

Hi Dan

I use Ultra Vest Jewelry Investment With Fiberglass and use there standard burnout instructions. So it is 1350F.

Tim

I have the driver centers machined and am working on machining the tires. I am going with an 0.008" shrink fit. I am trying to hold a plus or minus 0.0005" on the tire ID.

Tim

Hi All

I just received the Frame Crosstie & Bumper Beam Bracket from the foundry. It turned out great. A printed sand mold was use to produce the casting. I am very happy with the results. How to set it up and machine it. Then I can assemble the side frames.

Tim

It's a work of art, Tim.

Jerry

Thanks

Is that George Washington your change back from a Ben Franklin?

FLtenwheeler wrote:Hi All

I just received the Frame Crosstie & Bumper Beam Bracket from the foundry. It turned out great. A printed sand mold was use to produce the casting. I am very happy with the results. How to set it up and machine it. Then I can assemble the side frames.

Tim

Hi Tim,

This is very interesting! How complicated a process is it to have the foundry create the printed sand mold and make the part?? Is it expensive to create small batches of one off parts, such as 3" scale frame pieces, couplers, etc for a 12" ga loco???

Thanks much
Glenn

Kimball McGinley wrote:Is that George Washington your change back from a Ben Franklin?

I wish. It was a lot to get this part done. I need to learn how to gate and do the mold setup myself.

Tim