I couldn't agree with you more. I recently reached out to a foundry about having drivers cast for my 3" scale Berkshire project. I had them quote casting the 3 different drivers in both gray ductile iron and also cast steel. I was sticker shocked at the numbers I got back. $650 - $800ea in ductile iron and $800 - $1000ea in cast steel, and this was based on a minimum order of 8 wheels of each. That doesn't include the cost for the patterns. Needless to say I will be making them myself from A36 steel on my mill.FKreider wrote: ↑Wed Jan 19, 2022 5:44 pmAs someone who has spent a decent amount of time making patterns/castings and speaking with foundries I would agree that for a one off making as many parts out of bar stock as possible is the best way to go.
Finding reasonable foundries to deal with has become very difficult and for complex patterns and core boxes you really want to be able to drive there and discuss your designs with them before/during your progress in making the patterns to ensure they will be willing to cast what you have made.
Besides the "critical castings" like driving wheels and maybe cylinders it just realistically it just isn't "worth it" for a one-off engine, if your making a number of them then the economics start to work out a little better.
Just my 2cents. Good luck with your project.
I also contacted a different company about having cylinders cast. To have the patterns made, in this case sand printed, and have one set cast was in the $16-20,000 range. Fabricated they will be, and I will use a set of auto /truck liners for the bores.
Nyle