Rudy

On 10/27/2016 at 0:50 PM, ThomasPowers said:

I actually found one at a local fleamarket once rated for 4 different metals.  Gave it to a friend who did hobby casting.

Actually I do not, I'll look into that, thankyou!

On 10/27/2016 at 3:29 PM, jducharme said:

Rudy, I enjoy your go getter style.  Id use H13 buddy,  good stuff made for doing that work.   Never seen Ti used but chase that search, I have seen sand, clay and Ca Sulphate used too, but H13 is where its at.  Do some reading on it and here's a link I like:   https://www.afsinc.org/files/methods.pdf.   Ive several good books I can find If you are interested. I do brass and Al mostly, buddy of mine is Bob Hauser who owned a foundry for 43 years here locally, he's the man and a great resource.   Good luck and have fun buddy.  

also:   Check out some of the steam engine forums where they cast  steel for parts.   Some schools with large art programs (maybe near you) offer casting classes too.  check around. 

Im always open to knowledge as long as it's available. With the time i have I'm open for anything, my father went through casting classes at Kentwood but that may no longer be there. I really appreciate your input, it's strongly encouraging to keep going at a strong rate. although I should slow to take in the valid information needed that may depend on me walking out of that barn again if I do brass.

On 10/27/2016 at 11:29 PM, OddDuck said:

FWIW, don't get hung up on an ingot mold. Guess what I use for ingot molds? My regular greensand, with either an ingot shaped trench pressed into it or molded up from a pattern I made specifically for that purpose. Infinitely (more or less) reuseable and no xtra storage space. In other words, don't overthink something as crude as an ingot. You will be best served by just making one out of thick steel plate, if you must go that direction. Not sure, but I would check if TI would react with molten steel. You may get a reaction you don't want, and molten iron in any form, steel or cast, is dangerous enough by itself. If you do make an ingot mold, you also want to preheat it thoroughly to drive off moisture before use. 

I've heard of preheating molds, I've looked at sand castings before, I'll have to take a second look... thankyou for the warning!

On 10/28/2016 at 0:03 AM, Frosty said:

We just used angle iron. I suppose if you were worried about bronze brazing itself to the iron you could soot it up or lay tissue paper in it. Is there a reason you need a special shape or is it just an ingot? Ingots are just manageable sized and shaped pieces of basic feed stock.

Frosty The Lucky.

This shape i have is desirable for many reasons. some being for pour bells later on when the capability is there. another that it will fit in most vices in the machines I have readily accessible. Its a great platform for my own creativity to come into play. I think its also going to be necessary for the parts needed in this gated entrance im working on.  thank you again! 

     ,Rudy 

Once again thankyou for your knowledgeable input it's greatly appreciated! I'm very new to this I've been in a on stage of preplanning for almost 3 years doing decent amounts of research when my time frees up. 

13 hours ago, Smoggy said:

"... I've got plans for ingots closer to 12" long by 5" wide by 3" deep ..."

Rudy, can I ask why?

I either cast refined ingots to remelt for casting (stock material) so make them of a size to fit the crucible, or I cast billets to machine or forge, or I cast direct to the required finished item. What is your intention for these brass/bronze ingots?

As far as these ingots. I have access to two machines that I'll be using between my forging process but all this is in planning of my gated entrance to our sugar bush. Ill be making this from ground up when it comes to timber and the hinges, bolts, locking mechanism, and our company name will be poured with a few other decorative pieces. 

17 hours ago, the iron dwarf said:

brass melts at IIRC 3 degrees below the temp that the zinc in it boils, so add proper breathing apparatus to the firesuit you will be getting.

zinc causes 'metal fume fever' and healthy people on here working on galvanized metal have spent time in hospital due to it and it can be fatal if you have any other issues ( also I dont know what local laws that you would need to comply with to make sure others in your area are not affected ).

expect to spend a lot of money to do even small items of a few ounces safely

I have to say thankyou for your warning. i knew of the dangers of galvanized metals before I knew of brass but I found out a few days ago what precautions I should take. no worries I'll post pictures of my temporary shop soon along with a few ideas for ventilation.

Caledonia, Mi 

Thanks for the input everyone! I havent put my money into it quite yet but as my father has always tought, it's better to spend more time and effort into foreplanning... so that being said I currently do not plan on melting any steels but I will be doing work with a lot of brass and some bronze this winter. Id like to know that no matter what my mold will hold up for more than I intend to use it for now. I've got plans for ingots closer to 12" long by 5" wide by 3" deep.

Howdy y'all! I'm new to both this site and metal works outside of cnc machining. However, I cannot seem to find the desired shape and size for an ingot mold. While searching for valuable information on titanium and other mold materials I haven't found the direct answers needed. I recognize that titanium is brittle to a certain degree and it tends to be a bit of a bugger when machining. I do have capabilities and necessities for machining my desired mold but the big question is,

Will titanium withstand the temperatures of molten steel alloys and iron?

Secondly, will it maintain its it's integrity and structure after numerous pours?

Like i said I'm new. I'm open to all suggestions and any knowledge or experience. Your time spent would  be greatly appreciated!