Casting fluted bronze bells

[@zrg7097]

I love both my bells! The bell caster is pretty awesome, too! I’m a blessed lady! ❤️

[@swdweeb]

and that is all that maters 😄

[@dannywilsher4165]

And it sounds like the caster is a blessed man!!!

[@swdweeb]

@@dannywilsher4165 No doubt about it 😄

[@Thewulf56]

Those were some really nice looking bells, good to know there is a Bell Alloy, I never knew.

[@swdweeb]

Thanks 😄

[@EverettsWorkshop]

That was very interesting, actually - I had no idea that small of an alloy balance would affect the resonance of a bell that much. Thanks for sharing this, I really enjoyed it!

[@swdweeb]

Thanks Everett, that means a lot. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@PaulsGarage]

Hey someone just asked me if I heard from you in a while, and here you are! Welcome back! Awesome looking bell too

[@swdweeb]

Yeah, I'm still lurking out here. I see your live streams but they're past my bedtime 😄😄 Hope the new house is working out well.

[@bigstackD]

Poppa P back in the house👊🏻! Just checking in for the algorithm buddy I’ll watch the video tomorrow when I’m nursing an extremely bad hangover👌🏻😁🇦🇺🇺🇸

[@swdweeb]

Thanks mate

[@BahasaDrum]

I am a drummer, and this is amazing. It makes alot of sense for me as a drummer. Thanks, man!

[@swdweeb]

Ok, I'm curious how did this relate to you as a drummer?

[@BahasaDrum]

@@swdweebSo Zildjian cymbals came up with the 80/20 alloy for their cymbals way back then in Turkey. I guess the ratio has something to do with the resonance we need for the cymbals. We also have that 90/10 and we called it B10 :)

[@swdweeb]

@@BahasaDrum You know I was actually told that some time ago and I forgot it. Thank you for reminding me.

[@BahasaDrum]

@@swdweeb you should make another comparison with some other alloys 😁

[@askquestionstrythings]

Very nice demo of the alloy differences in bells.

[@swdweeb]

Well chalk it up to messing up the first one. If I had made the correct alloy the first time around there would have been no comparison 😄

[@karlh6692]

I just got a perfect brass casting of a chandelier hanger using the false cope method you show here, thank you so much for showing how.

[@swdweeb]

Congratulations! 😄 Thanks for letting me know.

[@JFed-9]

Coming to you from BigStackD Casting, glad to have found another great channel, this one with great explanations of why you do what you do! Looking forward to seeing more!

[@swdweeb]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@meltn]

Casting the ring in place is a great idea!!

[@swdweeb]

Thanks bud, I think it was easier than drilling and tapping... I think 😄

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Nice bell. You are getting really good at casting.

[@swdweeb]

Thanks!

[@JointerMark]

Amazing sound difference. Oddly I would have said the first one sounded more tinny even though it had less tin in it. Thank you for posting this!

[@swdweeb]

Thanks Mark. I had another person tell me the first one sounded more like a ship's bell and thought it sounded better. After listening again, I see that.

[@silverlicious2086]

Really like that ring on the 2nd bell. Nice job!

[@swdweeb]

They say adding a little silver to the alloy helps the sound too. Of course I have no idea what sort of percentage of silver to add 😄

[@silverlicious2086]

Well, experimenting if part of the game... and fun.

[@tylerjohncampbell3846]

So I am literally sitting here with the kastolite drying on my first ever attempt at building a casting furnace, and I am very happy I ran into your channel. I am looking to attempt to cast cymbals and experiment with various alloys, with B20 the centerpoint to branch out from. Thank you so much for the helpful information, the techniques you show for casting difficult shapes are the best instruction I have found so far.

[@swdweeb]

With a name like that (John Campbell) metal casting ought to be part of your DNA 😄 I appreciate the comments, thank you. Casting cymbals seems to be a pretty ambitious goal. I have no idea how I'd get the metal to flow that far given the thinness. Best of luck with that. Always happy to chat if you have questions or just want to float an idea.

[@zumbazumba1]

DOnt they use metal spinning for that ? Sounds alot easier to amke that shape out of sheet metal disc than to cast it.You could cast i thicker and machine it-still too much time consuming compared to metal spinning.

[@swdweeb]

@@zumbazumba1 I think spin casting is the only way you could do it. I would guess the molds have to be pretty hot as well. This video kinda confirms the sheet metal approach kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoTQi6Z8j7mYf7M

[@tylerjohncampbell3846]

@@swdweeb Yeah, so if cymbals are B8 they usually make them out of sheet, but B20 doesn't work well into sheet. B20 cymbals are usually cast into a rough sort of puck shape, hot rolled out like a pizza, then bell pressed, hammered, and lathed. I'd like to attempt casting it as thin as I can manage and then lathing down from there. I'm aware that it will be a large challenge and start with lots of failure. But I'm a chemist and the idea being able to experiment with the sonic differences of bronze alloys is too interesting to me not to try. :)

[@swdweeb]

@@tylerjohncampbell3846 It'll be an interesting experiment. I'd love to see how you progress.

[@campanaro_99]

THAT looks so peculiar! I like it! Well done as always!

[@swdweeb]

Yours is getting closer. The canon molds were fired over the weekend... maybe next weekend if I can get them back. Keep your fingers crossed 😄

[@campanaro_99]

@@swdweeb I'll do! I just hope it sounds good!

[@dctrains9527]

Loved the bells. Great job as usual.

[@swdweeb]

Thanks bud

[@richardmclean7973]

Cracking video love both bells. The 2nd one, the ring on it was brilliant. Hope to see another video soon. Sorry missed you!

[@swdweeb]

Thanks Richard. Yeah, answering comments makes me realize I missed being away

[@richardmclean7973]

Second watch trying to emulate your set up. I'll never be a brilliant forger but practicing every weekend. Hopefully practice makes me a little better.

[@MicroOutdoors]

So glad to see ya back with a new video! Keep em coming!

[@swdweeb]

Thanks 😄

[@stevesrt8]

great work! wow!. i'm glad to see you fixed your alloy. quite the difference indeed. that was a great demonstration. cheers

[@swdweeb]

Thank you sir! 😄

[@johnneykrew]

Well done!! Looking forward to casting my own.

[@swdweeb]

Bell casting is the coolest. You'll get hooked immediately

[@johnneykrew]

@@swdweeb im sure i will!! I was hesitant to start casting for just that reason! Lol.

[@alexallen6445]

BigstackD Casting told me to come see you stuff....... Great content .....love the bell

[@swdweeb]

Thanks for coming by and thanks for letting me know BigD sent you. 😄

[@davidzeak8667]

Nice work. Enjoy your videos, always learn something.

[@swdweeb]

Thanks David

[@natemclain]

Great video as always! Love the difference in the bronze alloys and the sound. That 80/20 sounds sweet!

[@swdweeb]

Thanks brother

[@HeinrichsMade]

Nice Bell's! Love to see no shrinkage 👍. Looking forward to your next video.

[@swdweeb]

The walls are pretty thin and uniform so shrinkage wouldn’t really be noticeable but I’m always just happy to see them fill completely 😄

[@oneguy]

Wow 80/20 sounds much better!!! Rhoda was going "wow cool" through the entirety of the video, but she mostly liked the pouring of the molten metal

[@swdweeb]

She’s not alone. Most people watch to see the metal poured

[@3dexploration317]

Very beautiful sound and excellent explanation. Your video fascinates me. Well done as always!

[@swdweeb]

spasibo tovarisch 😄

[@marcsenteney3160]

It is good to see you are still at it and making amazing projects. That bell not only sounds good but looks good. Stay safe and healthy good sir. I am always looking forward to your next project!

[@swdweeb]

I’ve been at it, just not making videos of stuff. Working through decisions on where to head and what to show on the channel.

[@justanothermeltingchannel]

This was a great video! I have always loved your explanation and clarity. Seeing the end result and hearing the difference in sound was just icing on the cake. Thank you for another great video sir!

[@swdweeb]

Didn't want to think I was ignoring you. I started to watch your video from back in August "J.A.M. 13: First Attempt at Sand Casting (This is The Way)" and saw my channel come up in your notebook. I was afraid to see what you said so I stopped. 😄 Actually I got pulled away and just now got back to it but the getting scared story sounded better 😄. Thanks for all the mentions and links in your videos. I really do appreciate it.

[@justanothermeltingchannel]

@@swdweeb well thank you Sir! I have loved your videos since I first found them through Paul's Garage, and I have watched through everything and taken notes, I have the book by Professor John Campbell on its way (hopefully), and I repeatedly come back to them as a form of motivation as I learn to cast. I am extremely grateful to you for what you've taught through your videos, and your sense of humor keeps me laughing.

[@dustinbrosmer6164]

Another great video. Keep them coming lol. Your teaching me alot

[@swdweeb]

Thanks Dustin

[@rockelec]

Finally!!!! Great video!

[@swdweeb]

Thanks James

[@gregrice123]

Hi Swdweeb! I love all your casting videos. I was wondering if you could do an updated video on why you do everything you do currently for those of us who want to start casting. Starting with the flask, "green sand," release powder, spin trap, gate, sprue, basin, tamping tool, etc. I know you have made a lot of progress since the very beginning and it would be great to see a video recapping all of it. If this is not something you want to do, I understand. It is a big ask. Again, I love the videos!

[@swdweeb]

Thanks Greg. Just out of curiosity gave you seen this playlist? kzbin.info/aero/PLU1QP34Dv8Y70lJsPZDGnnW2n0A_fhF0w

[@AJR2208]

They look great Perry & good to see you looking healthy. Wow what a difference between the two. Have you ever seen Dew Bells (flowers)? They look similar to these. Stay safe and well :)

[@swdweeb]

I hadn't seen them, at least I didn't know them by that name. You're right, they are very similar. Thanks, you too

[@jamieclarke321]

thanks for introducing me to john campbells findings and bob pahakkas work, ive never cast anything before but im sure when i start ill be leagues ahead of the game

[@swdweeb]

My pleasure. I was hoping to meet Professor Campbell this fall but it looks like my trip to the UK is off. It would have been great to meet him face to face.

[@ollysworkshop]

Hi Perry. It's been a while, I was getting withdrawal symptoms! I like the bell design and a very surprising difference. Funny how the one with less tin sounds more 'tinny'.

[@swdweeb]

Hey Oliver, yes it has been a long time. You're the second person to make that tinny observation 😄 Take care

[@dannywilsher4165]

Ding-a-ling! Nice bells!

[@swdweeb]

😄 Thanks

[@tacllemtacllem7679]

nice job

[@swdweeb]

Thanks!

[@alanbabcock1438]

Very nice ! The difference in sound was startling , and the design beautiful. I was wondering if, in an effort to save time/steps, you couldn't use one of your vents as your clapper. Always amazed !

[@swdweeb]

Just been reading that the clappers are supposed to be a certain percentage of the bell weight... who knew. From what I've seen they really should be poured by design. So much to learn

[@alanbabcock1438]

@@swdweeb Wow! Who knew. I figured it was just a rod with a bulge in it.

[@swdweeb]

@@alanbabcock1438 So did I until I found a DOD spec on how to make them

[@jessdyba]

BigStackdddd sent me here to check this out....very glad he did, great content!

[@swdweeb]

Thanks, and thanks for letting me know he sent you

[@duff8402]

Perry, glad to see ya sir. Was just wondering if you were doin alright a couple days ago

[@swdweeb]

I'm alive and well, just wasnt posting any videos. 😄

[@tobhomott]

Looks great, sounds great 👍

[@swdweeb]

Thanks brother

[@davidhipelius3792]

Awesome video, what a difference with 10% more alloy.

[@swdweeb]

Yeah, it makes a huge difference. Here's another example of a "wrong" alloy kzbin.info/www/bejne/goCcm2eBpMmHqac

[@relyonno1921]

Nice work

[@swdweeb]

Thank you sir

[@honthirty_]

Makes me wonder if old cannons rang when discharged? Probably ears were ringing and resonance would have been much lower Db. Bell bronze is near gun metal bronze, as recall. Nice job.

[@swdweeb]

I've heard the same thing that bell metal and gun metal are similar. Canons are pretty thick so maybe not much ringing but you're right ear ringing would have probably drown any canon ringing out 😄

[@DaveBoatBuilder]

I made up an extra wooden frame to put on top of the cope when I'm packing down the sand, it stops the sand going everywhere as you get to the top of the cope...

[@swdweeb]

Cool idea. I've been thinking along the lines of modifying my table and never thought about modifying the flask. Thanks!

[@stonegolem2090]

Bigstacked sent me here brilliant videos 💪

[@swdweeb]

Thank you and thanks for letting me know he sent you

[@mt6tools]

Great to see another video Perry. Did you weigh out the copper and tin and make your own alloy? Any special flux needed?

[@swdweeb]

I did make my own alloy. That probably means that 80/20 is an approximation. 😄 I am using a "flux" and a new process for making my bronze. I should probably open myself to piles of criticism and show what I'm doing in a video.

[@SculptyWorks]

Nice bells! 👍👍 Have you tried casting anything with Nordic Gold yet?

[@swdweeb]

Thanks. No I haven't

[@SculptyWorks]

@@swdweeb Maybe a future video project? I'm trying to find out the shrinkage rate compared to aluminum bronze. 😉

[@gregorychaney7604]

OK Perry, First I'm going to start with a complaint! This video was too short! This was one of the best casting videos I've seen on KZbin and you left so much out. It would have been great to have shown a little of your 3d modeling process. You didn't show the right way to ram up the bell's interior (only the wrong way). I was hoping to see a close up of how you positioned the eye bolt in the mold. And I was wondering how you attached the clapper inside the bell. There isn't much room to maneuver in there. Aside from the above griping, it was amazing to watch you pull off this difficult casting twice in a row! And you made it look pretty easy too. I think you will find that the bells will ring longer if they are hanging and not being held. I'm sure your fingers were absorbing some of the good vibrations. But once again, congratulations on creating such beautiful bells. Cheers from Alaska, Greg Chaney PS Did you cast the wall mounting brackets as well? I noticed your logo on them. If so, I want to see those castings as well!

[@swdweeb]

Man, you're never happy 😄 If you look quick at the beginning when I'm waving the plastic pattern around you can see inside that there is a hole drilled at the top. I just stuck the threaded part of the eye bolt in the hole so the "eye" part would be in sand of the core. It's hard to show ramming harder when it looks very similar to ramming lighter on video. The second bell core wasn't all that great either. but I didn't record any of the ramming process on the second one. Most people only care about seeing metal come out of the crucible, then they want to see if the mold filled. After that, there's really only a handful that care about all of the set up. Yes I cast the brackets as well. I do have video of the first one. I think the clapper is also in there. I'll have to see. Given that I was holding it where it will get bolted to the hanger I doubt that they will sound any different hung. In fact the first bell sounds the same hung and held.

[@gregorychaney7604]

I must be your biggest fan then because I already watched this video twice (after my bedtime 🌙). And I expect I'll watch it a few more times, it really is that good. The bell pattern is exquisite! Thank you for the extra explanation. I'm going add another request, I'd love to see more about your source metal and alloy concocting process. Don't even get me started about the price of tin!!! Thanks for everything you are doing. Cheers Greg

[@rondelby2482]

Did you see my pics I emailed you of bells I made? I love your videos. The bells were beautiful that you made.

[@swdweeb]

Thanks Ron. I did get your email and the pictures. I thought I replied, if I didn't, I apologize. I'll go look now.

[@gabrielwallinger3198]

Hey there, just wanted to say thank u. I have just finished my second bell using the methods you show in your videos and so far it's working pretty well. They look awesome and sound pretty good. But I always have a pretty hard time, mixing the copper and tin in the crucible... Any tips on that?

[@swdweeb]

First of all, congratulations on casting bells! One thing I've done is to make ingots with the copper/tin alloy and then remelt the ingots to cast the bell. I've seen the same problem of not getting it mixed well and this has helped me. I try not to stir the metal in the crucible but some gentle stirring is often times necessary. You just don't want to introduce a bunch of air into the metal. The other thing I do is put the tin in with a small amount of copper. The tin will melt almost immediately and the copper will take longer. Once the copper has melted you can start adding more copper to that puddle. Finally, and this has nothing to do with what you asked, I've started heating the crucible empty. Get it good and hot before adding any metal. This will really reduce the time the metal sits and oxidizes in the flame. If you can, and this is going to sound weird, add a little borax and a small piece of broken glass to the metal early on. The borax and glass will melt and form a glassy goo on the top of the metal. The goo will also reduce the oxidation. You can simple add new copper through the goo. It will sink below while the goo stays on top. When you're ready to pour clean the goo out just like you're cleaning dross.

[@gabrielwallinger3198]

Thanks a lot! I think I can profit very much from your answer... I already used the leftover material from the last pour, but it wasn't quite enough so I had to mix some additional copper and tin to it... But I just realized, that I always start with a fully filled crucible, and that maybe is the real issue... there is always a big unmelted clonk of copper at the bottom, that needs to be stirred quite hard in order to loose up... I will also try the borax-glass-method. So far I had a great experience following your tips and tricks, so I am really sure that wont hurt. thanks again!@@swdweeb

[@malblakeney-tq1sk]

Do you have certain dimensions for your surge trap?

[@swdweeb]

I do, but to be honest I just designed mine to something that "felt" right. My spin/surge trap is 34mm in diameter and is attached to a runner that is 8mm x ~8mm. (the runner is tapered for easily removal from the sand.)

[@GameArtsCafe]

Have you ever tried using the Bronze Filled 3D printing filament then sintering it later?

[@swdweeb]

I have not. I've never printed with any filament except PLA and I've never done sintering. Not sure how I would apply the pressure involved with sintering

[@frikkiesmit327]

Wow at last you made video again hehehe.

[@swdweeb]

Yes and like most of my videos it's a smash hit, generating six views per hour 🤣🤣

[@frikkiesmit327]

@@swdweeb 6!? Thats not good. We must make a plan.

[@swdweeb]

@@frikkiesmit327 It is what it is. There is simply very little demand on KZbin for what I do. Its no big deal, I don't do it for the money :-D

[@SOGAHydro]

What modeling software do you use?

[@swdweeb]

I use Designspark mechanical

[@CraigLYoung]

Wife like them. What's to dislike about the poor? Thanks for sharing 👍

[@swdweeb]

Absolutely 😄

[@crgracio]

Please what software os that? Thank you very much for your attention.

[@swdweeb]

DesignSpark Mechanical

[@ChatterontheWire]

he's alive.......

[@swdweeb]

yeah, the reports of my demise were greatly exaggerated 😄

[@marcsenteney3160]

Good morning sir!

[@swdweeb]

Back at ya 😄

[@dizzolve]

as a drummer I know the best cymbal bronze is 80/20 as well. Not because I've made cymbals but because I've done research ......... they even have cymbals called B20 bronze

[@swdweeb]

I've actually heard that before. Makes sense that they'd be similar. Thanks for sharing this.

[@dizzolve]

there's also a B8 bronze for cymbals but those are generally lower quality cymbals. 8% tin This alloy evidently is easier to work (hammer and shape) where the B20 is more brittle

[@TheJohndeere466]

I once made a part that lloked like a dog dish. I foundry guy told me to just ram up a thin drag like you did but then fill the bell with sand and ram it and strike it off then just set it on the drag and rap it until it will come off the sand cone and then put more parting dust on the sand cone and then put the bell back on and then ram the cope. Then hopefully the bell will come with the cope and you can then remove it.

[@swdweeb]

Yep. A lot of the release comes from the pattern prep. This one was pretty smooth on the inside but not like glass. As a result it wants to grab sand as it is being lifted.

[@bonnienklyde7423]

👊🏻

[@bc65925]

Such a ding a ling

[@swdweeb]

Ha! Chuck Berry wrote a song about me 😄

[@oneguy]

First comment!! Wahooo

[@swdweeb]

Woohoo!

[@marcsenteney3160]

You beat me by 4 seconds lol!

[@zeeshangohar8593]

hy

[@swdweeb]

Ha 😂 Thanks

[@martijamesn]

Hello i found your channel bing watched every episode and caught up just in time for you to stop putting out videos. Are you planning on putting out any more videos

[@swdweeb]

Saltwater, great name 😄. I dont think I’m done, just needed some time away. There may be a #short coming out in a couple of weeks I’ve got it shot, just need to edit it

[@martijamesn]

@@swdweeb if nothing else you can always show work you doing on the car 👍

[@perrymerritt8703]

@@martijamesn well... to be honest, I'd have to show work being done on the car. I'm paying a neighbor who is a mechanic to finish it and get it running. It got to the point where a lot of it was over my head. I hope to be driving it by spring... we'll see.