kemart17 said:thanks for the input cowboy. i am trying to find a mold in the .355 to .358 range for my .36 underhammer. no luck yet
fleener said:Jeff Tanner will make a mold for you and you will get it in a couple of weeks. Made of brass.
Fleener
excess650 said:fleener said:Jeff Tanner will make a mold for you and you will get it in a couple of weeks. Made of brass.
Fleener
Jeff Tanner is no longer making moulds. He passed recently. RIP
kemart17 said:does he have a websitem or other way i could contact him?
kemart17 said:aluminum or steel ball mold, which is best and why??
Both have their advantage’s and disadvantage’s. Both will definitely produce adequate ball’s.
Quality? I’d give the nod to steel molds. In my experience they produce a superior ball with little to no seam line’s or inclusion’s. The aluminum mold’s that I’ve casted with aren’t as well constructed. Don’t get me wrong! I’m definitely not looking down on aluminum molds. They too can produce a well made ball but I’d have to give the nod to steel molds when it comes to quality! They are just a better quality of mold.
Bringing the mold up to temp? The aluminum mold definitely comes up to temperature a lot quicker. After the casting session is over they cool down faster as well! The steel mold will definitely stay up to temperature a lot longer than the aluminum mold. Has the ability to sustain a constant casting temp for longer periods of time! Of course after the casting session is over the steel mold takes longer to cool down as well! For me this is not an issue. When you develop a steady, constant casting rhythm both types are more than capable to produce a quality ball.
Maintenance? The aluminum mold in my opinion are easer to maintain. They do not rust with the exception of the sprue plate. The steel mold needs to be looked after and properly maintained. For me personally, this is not an issue due to the fact that I take care of my equipment at all times. I place a light coat of oil on my steel mold’s when not in use. Rust is never a problem but could be if I went the lazy mans route.
Cost? The steel mold is definitely a lot more expensive than an aluminum mold. Again, they are better in quality. You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to molds. If you have deeper pockets the steel mold is the way to go! Again, I’m not turning my nose up at aluminum molds! In my personal opinion and experience, the steel mold is superior over the aluminum mold.
Lastly, I would only say use what you can afford. Both will cast quality ball’s
Respectfully, Cowboy
Steel does not cut as cleanly as does the fine grain cast iron when a cherry is used and probably does not transfer heat as well either. I have used aluminum molds from Veral Smith and Lee , both work very fine and aluminum is a better heat distributer.I've made molds from mild steel but production and custom molds are usually made from fine grain cast iron along with some of aluminum and brass. I think the fine grain cast iron has a name something like Mehanite but spelling may be wrong.
Steel does not cut as cleanly as does the fine grain cast iron when a cherry is used and probably does not transfer heat as well either. I have used aluminum molds from Veral Smith and Lee , both work very fine and aluminum is a better heat distributer but gall easier than either steel or cast iron.
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