Miscellaneous Foundry Tools

Flasks

The patterns must be "buried" in sand. In order to do this a two (or more) section flask is used. The top section is called the "cope". The bottom section is called the "drag". Different size flasks should be used based on the pattern size. At least one inch of sand should be between the drag bottom board and pattern. The drag can be made as thin as possible, to save on the amount of sand and time required to fill it. The cope should be made at least 3 inches high to provide sufficient "head" of the molten material which insures more detail in the castings. All of my flasks are made form 3/4 inch stock. The cope should have tapered sides to hold the sand when it is lifted for drawing (removing) the pattern. Different size quide pins should be provided to ensure proper alignment when the cope is returned to the drag after pattern removal.
Picture Picture
Some of the flasks that I use. Two flasks containing sundial parts already poured.
Notice cast handles on large Copes for lifting
Miscellaneous Molding Tools
  • Bellows
  • Riddle (Flour Sifter)
  • Gate Cutters
  • Smoother (Spatula)
  • Shapers
  • Rammers (Sand)
  • Sprue Forms
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Parting Dust

Parting dust is used to isolate the sand in the cope from that in the drag so that the two may be separated without the sand clinging to each other. I use commercial diatomite filter for swimming pools. I dust it on using a small kitchen strainer. Do this in a well ventilated place or use a respirator.

Riddles

A riddle is used to sift the sand as it is put into the flask around the pattern. I made some using a piece of window screen nailed on a square frame. I also bought a kitchen flour sifter which works the best.

Shaping Tools and Gate Cutters

Various tools can be made to use when the sand has to be shaped or cut from the flask such as when making gates and sprues. Old spoons bent to the desired shape and sharpened work well. I have a set of kitchen measuring spoons that I use for a lot of cutting. Shapers can also be made of old hacksaw blades. Grind off the teeth first.

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