Home Made Foundry Basics and Home Foundry Information
Described
The
Do It Yourself movement is certainly not a new one. The term, DIY was
popularized in the 1950s but the concept has been around for ages. The concept
behind DIY is undertaking a variety of projects either home improvement,
restoration, or arts and craft without the help of paid professionals.
Recently the DIY movement has received a boost of popularity with the aid of
the internet. Many are finding that DIY projects are easier to undertake with
the help of instructional websites which provide step by step instructions and
real advice from people who have actually accomplished the DIY process. Several
of these sites provide ideas, photos, message boards, and a sense of community
for Do It Yourselfers that was simply not available years ago.
DIY projects can include any number or projects and ideas. Certainly the most
common projects include home improvement such as cabinetry or installing
plumbing fixtures, but one of the oldest DIY projects has to be metal casting.
The DIY casting movement has been around ever since metal casting itself has
been around, which is quite some time. Metal casting is the act of taking
molten metal and shaping it with the use of molds into something new. Metal
casting has been used in the ancient world for the use of making weapons,
jewelry, and even religious icons. Today, DIY metal casting is used to create
parts and items for use in a variety of hobbies and restoration
projects. This includes home improvement items as well. Metal casting can
be used to make door knobs, cabinet handles, and other such items. For
hobbyists, small model parts and miniatures can be created. Even artists use
metal casting for sculptures and jewelry creation.
Metal casting possesses the true spirit of Do It Yourself. Many metal casters
are drawn to the skill because it provides a cheap alternative to purchasing
items or having commercial foundries make custom items. Nearly everything used
in metal casting can be made by the caster. The furnace, molds, tools, and many
others are made by most casters.
Like other DIY projects, the DIY casting movement is being helped along my
communities that are found online. These communities act as meeting grounds for
casters to share and exchange knowledge and ideas, not to mention blueprints
for furnaces and ingredients for casting materials.
Metal casting is the pinnacle of DIY projects as it involves the fabrication of
items from metal. After creating a mold of the desired item the caster will
melt down iron, brass, or aluminum in a furnace. The molten alloy is poured
into the mold and allowed to cool. The cast is removed to reveal a copy of the
original pattern. There are several casting methods so undertaking a DIY
casting project can be very involved and addicting.
In the spirit of DIY, metal casters strive to make the best for the least. A
great source for aluminum is soda cans and many casters gladly travel to scrap
yards for iron or brass.
The DIY casting movement is really gaining steam as many realize how cheap and
fun this alternative is.
