[Jewelry making - Article 00147] - Re: [Orchid] Vacum casting vs. centrifugal casting

[Kenneth Ferrell]

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Ruslan:

    I do both and do not find that to be true, I have two Centrifugal
    casting machines and a perforated vacuum system, I have a small
    Neycraft caster that has been a fixture in my shop since 1984. I love
    it if I have a small flask with a small load like 2 or three rings in
    a 2 x 2 in. flask 1 or 2 rings, it will accommodate a flask up to 4 x
    4 inch. I have a Centrifugal caster from Swest(sure am sorry they
    sold out) that is about 15 years old that will take up to a 4 X 7
    inch flask it was only intended for up to 4x6 but a 7 inch will fit
    nicely. Uses standard Kerr/Vigor springs, and my Vacuum system, which
    I love but the flasks are expensive, Vacuum is far far safer than
    centrifugal systems as a rule, my little Neycraft being the exception
    to the rule. The bowl or tub revolves at the same speed as the flask
    so if any metal does get thrown out or you get a break in the end of
    the flask, the metal doesn't have the tendency to splash out of the
    safety tub. My vacuum system will accommodate up to a 5x7 in flask.
    The worst part is learning when and how fast to pour the metal when
    vacuum casting, I do believe that the molecular density may be
    slightly more compact with Centrifugal, but have no scientific data
    to back that statement. The trade off is there is normally less
    porosity with perforated vacuum cast items. I have never noticed any
    appreciable difference in detail either way if my flask and metal
    temps were on target. Vacuum assist is a whole different creature. I
    tried it and never had that great of success, I tried using waxweb,
    and various other vent gimmicks but never was happy with the results.
    I do think the learning/coordination curve is harder for vacuum but
    in the end, once you have developed the timing the results are worth
    the effort. 

Kenneth Ferrell
www.shadras.com


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