I always scraped it off cold, which was a chore. Now I tap it with a rod when it's still warm, and it flakes right off.
We're saving money and reducing environmental impact.
During a bronze pour last week, the metal started hissing loudly when it hit the mold. I thought something was wrong, but my foreman just laughed and said it's normal with damp sand. Now I'm curious why moisture causes that sound, and if it affects the casting quality. It still jumpscares me each time it happens.
I've seen more shops going electric for cleaner casts. But old hands say gas gives more consistent metal flow. How do you all handle this shift?
I'm driving from Ohio to Missouri next week. Are there any working foundries open for tours along the route? I'd like to pick up some new ideas.