A retired molder told me something I still think about every time I pour

I met an old timer named Frank at a trade show in Cleveland about five years ago. He watched me set up a flask and said, 'Kid, you're rushing the ram-up. The sand needs to breathe before it sees the iron.' He showed me his method, which added maybe two minutes to the job. I've argued with guys who say that extra time kills production, but Frank's castings had almost zero gas holes. Do you slow down your prep for a better finish, or is speed more important on the floor?

2 comments

2 Comments

wren_rodriguez18d ago

My grandpa said good sand is like good soil, needs patience.

mark73118d ago

Yeah, he's right. I've seen people rush and pack it down too wet, then it cracks when it dries. Let it settle for a day, then wet it lightly before you try to build anything on it.