Casting Aluminum for the Home from a Simple 3D Print

Returning to the foundry, I cast an aluminum wall hook. The design of the hook had to take into consideration how it would be cast. Every face had to taper perfectly for the pattern to actually release from the mold!
If you are at all interested in my foundry and torch setup, please check out my website: www.grunblau.com
BTW... If you are a long-time subscriber, thank you! If you are new to the channel, welcome! (Be sure to also hit the bell notification or you might miss out on new content!)
Link for Black Licorice: amzn.to/2TCtzNN
(Brian Oltrogge is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com).
Music:
Cooper Ave by The Westerlies (intro)

[@metalslug97]

Christ man, you really didn't have to make an entire demonstration for why single-pull casted parts need tapering and drafting but the fact that you did just shows how incredible you are as a person. Cheers to that

[@haddow777]

I don't know. Those are the sorts of simple mistakes probably a majority of interested amateurs make and curse the heavens over. It's nice to have a video targeted to people nee to the idea of casting being given a solid practical explanation of just how important that step is.

[@Grunblau]

I learned from it. I was amazed at how hard the zero draft part was to get out. Too often I try to get away with zero draft and probably shouldn’t!

[@umbeatable2770]

@@Grunblau can i cast the same way but instead if aluminium with steel and titanium ?

[@Dgafsranger]

I'm new to all this I greatly appreciated it as much as I can learn before I try anything the better

[@elguapo42]

Love seeing people like this in the world makes me feelgood

[@ashuri6476]

Can we just take a moment to apprecate the incredible finish he got on his 3d print? Damn man thats CLEAN

[@Cloakfiend]

Its pretty standard. Depends on the quality of layer height.

[@VentureWelding]

I've seen prints that have a slight checkered texture. Must have been on a low quality setting.

[@giedrius2149]

@@Cloakfiend It's pretty bad lmao

[@bryansummers3219]

IKR? Now I know that a 3d print can be cleaned to that level of finish and how to do it. Thanks Brian!

[@kevinburke8608]

​@@bryansummers3219 When I first saw it after he put the glue on I thought. "ok that looks hacky as hell..." After he sanding it and put the finish on, I was thinking "OMG, that looks like something that came out of our finish room!" I haven't seen finish that good without slathering it in bondo and drowning it in paint. Wonder how well it holds up. I'm going to have to give it a shot now.

[@HaloWolf102]

Did I just sit through a 11 minute video without checking my phone or getting distracted? I was completely engrossed. It's a phenomenal feeling having stable attention. Thanks!

[@Grunblau]

Thank you! I miss my own ‘long form’ attention span…. Old KZbin was best when it felt like we sat down to a meal. Today’s content feels more and more like I’m eating rice cakes. Tiny bit of flavor on top, but mostly just puffed air…

[@pirateradioFPV]

It's because you weren't interrupted by the mid-rolls, ads, words from his sponsor and all the crap the scam boss running youtube makes you endure.

[@AvengerDK]

Your voice is fantastic. It's almost from a 50's nature documentary. Lookup "Alone in the wilderness".

[@pa0letti]

I thought the same thing. Love how you mixed the voiceover. Reminds me of vintage Disney nature films.

[@nicklove8857]

It sounds like speech to text software.

[@anthonyhiscox]

I always thought that was Dick Proenneke's voice but it's actually Bob Swerer's. I believe there are three documentaries around Dick and his cabin if you haven't seen them yet, they're worth a watch (I believe some stuff is reused but it's been a while so my memory might be failing me).

[@anthonyhiscox]

Excuse me, not his cabin, his cleverly stacked firewood pile. Building a cabin there is illegal.

[@jonasandersson7367]

Why would he? He was shurely in it

[@Dailyfiver]

I’ve been designing Sand Cast tooling for engine/brake parts professionally for 3 years, and I have to say you are absolutely spot on with all of your information and explanations. It’s really cool to see this done at home instead of with expensive mass production machines! Hahaha.

[@Grunblau]

Thank you! I think a lot of people will start looking into PLA investment casting. Much like my monkey video. This creates a very nice cast.

[@DomFernandezMusic]

I really don't think I'll ever get into metal casting, but if I ever do it is 100% because I stumbled upon this video. The whole process had me so drawn in and in awe. Keep this up!

[@Grunblau]

Thank you!

[@paulotonetta8149]

@@Grunblau My friend... You finished cast wasn't smooth because you didn't press the sand... That's why!!! Got to tap it with a piece of wood while you put sand on the mold...

[@FloridaDIYer]

I can't imagine how many hours that you and other KZbinrs have saved the rest of us by sharing your knowledge of how to do things, and more importantly sometimes, how NOT to do things. . Also, your calm speaking voice lends itself to teaching. Great video.

[@Grunblau]

Thank you! I have been a university teacher on and off for the last years…

[@NiChaos]

This guy is amazing. He managed to condensate TOO MUCH KNOWLEDGE in an 11 minutes video. The world need more people like you man! Thanks!!!

[@narendrasimha2557]

Love the way you showed how easy or difficult it is to pull out the 3D model from the sand mold depending on it's shape. Please do more casting videos!

[@Grunblau]

I keep telling myself that I can get away with ignoring draft. This demo convinced me otherwise!

[@yosyp5905]

its*

[@tedeby5351]

@@Grunblau You can ignore draft if you go with investment casting.

[@keithcress1335]

Polycast is a 3D printing filament developed for investment casting.

[@networkcrasher]

@@Grunblau maaaaaybe now we can see how you finished up that domino box... hint hint

[@woahnut]

The black licorice really sold me with this video. I'm a big fan of black licorice and it's good to see another cultured soul.

[@nunyabusiness9043NunyaBiz]

What a great tip about using CA glue and THEN polyurethane. Previously I had commented the plastic version would suffice for me, and this would make that especially true, but also provides a great surface for casting in metal, of course. Great methodology.

[@Kameolontti]

There are a lot of metal casting videos as of late on KZbin. This video is among the best based on a large sampling. Many people wish to make videos and appear as knowledgeable and they often give inferior and flawed instructions that will result in a lot of wasted effort and potential for long term flawed and erroneous methodology. This is a great video for 'small scale lost plastic 3D printed model metal casting' and offers good instructions and sound methodology.

[@NautilusGuitars]

Man, I hope you keep posting. You're the main reason I got into metal casting. I now make custom parts for the guitars I build thanks to you. Your videos are always a great inspiration.

[@Grunblau]

Glad to hear! Thank you for posting this…

[@chrisnurse6430]

Can we see your guitars/parts please 😍

[@user-be9ey4jb3c]

I play guitar i want to see your parts.

[@l00kns33]

@@user-be9ey4jb3c Does that pickup line work well for you?

[@user-be9ey4jb3c]

@@l00kns33 what pickup line?

[@macf4426]

A Brian Oltrogge video in notifications is always welcome, but a Brian Oltrogge video with Aluminium casting, and a Drunk Octopus meme, really makes my day. Today is a good day 👍

[@Kamal_AL-Hinai]

Today is a good day to fight!

[@kaasmeester5903]

11 Minute video, the complete process clearly demonstrated, including an explanation on the importance of draft. No wasted time. Outstanding!

[@Grunblau]

Thanks. I try to keep things moving especially now when you have to compete with 10 second videos on Reels and Tik-Toc…

[@alexmoore5454]

The fact you can explain the process in a concise easy to follow manner without all the fluff is really helpful and shows you know your stuff. Awsome video!

[@Grunblau]

I miss the Old KZbin too! Thanks

[@aaronramly1705]

Welcome back Master !

[@MeltAbilities]

Yes 👏🏼… I ❤️ his videos. I know it’s a lot of work… and he probably has a day job… but I’d love to see more. Hey KZbin… pay him more so he can quit the day job and focus on producing more content‼️ 😊

[@joedanero5360]

This

[@briansuxxx]

Amazing job. This is one of the cleanest sand castings I've seen.

[@salty3958]

Forgive me if someone else has already commented this, but depending on the material you 3D print with you can use acetone to smooth the surface instead of doing all that sanding. For parts such as this where it's mainly aesthetic and there's no real tolerances required, it would be ideal and save you a fair bit of time. Nice work!

[@TAH3DGeek1994]

I 3D print and can confirm that acetone washing can be used on ABS but that’s about it in my personal experience. It’s just as easy to print with PLA and do a resin wash over the print with little sanding at the end.

[@TomSullivanify]

You can also use plb and isopropyl alcohol

[@rainydaytoast1490]

@@TAH3DGeek1994 can you please do a video detailing more specifically how you get such smooth prints!

[@TAH3DGeek1994]

@@rainydaytoast1490 I plan on doing it eventually and starting another channel solely for it but I can’t at the moment as I have a very busy home life. Once I have some more time to spare it’s something that will be done. For now I would recommend visiting uncle jessy on here as he has some amazing videos on it

[@GerManBearPig]

The smoothing is pretty pointless in this case ... the metal parts need be finished anyways and it won't make a huge difference removing the plastic from the mold

[@takinoff4271]

All of the greatest designs are borrowed from nature. Love this.

[@Smitty-op4ld]

YESHUA GOD ALMIGHTY is perfect in engineering isn't HE?

[@Elviloh]

Quality ! Thorough explanation while kept simple and relaxing. And a good hand sanding instead of using a machine, because sanding is an addictive activity for anyone who started. Love it !

[@ctrhenry]

What a great surprise this morning!

[@charickter]

Indeed!

[@joseppi4435]

that's what the ATF said

[@acorgiwithacrown467]

I adore this format, the music, the voice, the jokes, the editing, everything. It feels so nostalgic, I remember watching those old tv documentary's on random stuff and falling asleep to the calming voice every single time.

[@Grunblau]

Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@KKoKoRR]

I'm not interesting about casting aluminum or other things on this channel but I'm impressed this style. I came to make exactly this comment and saw yours. This video remind me old BBC educational VHS series.

[@SeanHodgins]

Your videos always remind me that I want to build a foundry, but never do it!

[@Napkinholdin]

If you sit on that fence long enough, grab one of those induction furnaces for like $700 - they are insane... :p

[@SeanHodgins]

@@Napkinholdin got a link? Or brand?

[@Napkinholdin]

@@SeanHodgins let me get back to you later today (like 12 hours) I have a link and some info from when I was searching. I ended up with a great piece of equipment and another KZbinr explains how to easily switch it from a 120v to 240v if that sort of thing is needed.

[@rodschmidt8952]

Make a list of steps, and then do the first one

[@KRGraphicsCG]

I do as well, but legalities

[@nickhadfield3192]

This is one of those channels that uploads rarely, but every time you do I go and watch a bunch of other stuff of yours. Looks awesome so far!

[@zarblitz]

Yeah haven't seen a video in years it feels like, but always stay subbed in case one comes along.

[@ahmdabdallah5811]

God has said in the Quran: { O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous - ( 2:21 ) [He] who made for you the earth a bed [spread out] and the sky a ceiling and sent down from the sky, rain and brought forth thereby fruits as provision for you. So do not attribute to Allah equals while you know [that there is nothing similar to Him]. ( 2:22 ) And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful. ( 2:23 ) But if you do not - and you will never be able to - then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.( 2:24 ) And give good tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they will have gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they are provided with a provision of fruit therefrom, they will say, "This is what we were provided with before." And it is given to them in likeness. And they will have therein purified spouses, and they will abide therein eternally. ( 2:25 ) Quran

[@nickhadfield3192]

@@ahmdabdallah5811 cool story bro. Needs more dragons.

[@hasanelahituhin1150]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXTRen2ra56UjJI

[@beliasphyre3497]

I always thought of draft angles in relation to the normal of the parting plane. This just bent my mind and opened up a new world.

[@Grunblau]

That was the seed that sprouted this video!

[@GPEART1]

I love the 1960's / 1970's sound of the voice over, nobody does that!

[@brardshepp]

The clinical perfection with which you conduct your projects is admirable

[@mathiasschneider9113]

This is a great reference for 3d print-to-cast projects. Thanks a bunch for showing us this, and well done with that wall hook!

[@amberaerojack5800]

I’ve been waiting for an upload which feels like years, don’t make that feel like a burden though every time you upload I am still so impressed. I’ve always loved the home made furnace, I’ve wanted one for years.

[@robertkelly5025]

Axis of Removal-that is easily my favorite death metal band!

[@aogle]

Thanks, Brian for the easy-to-follow process. I'm now tempted to give casting a go.

[@minhavidavai]

This video is so amazing. As a materials engineer, I had enjoyed every second of it.

[@Grunblau]

I am glad you liked it! You might find my monkey casting video a good time, too :)

[@reggieasplund9081]

I don't know how I ended up here, but thank you for this. In the 11 minutes of video, I was inspired by your setup, instructed by your narration, and awed by the results. Well done on easily some of the best casting work I've ever seen. Top quality content and work sir! Also, that hook is great.

One of the best way to waste time/effort/material and energy, WELL DONE SIR.

[@mavos1211]

This has literally made my week seeing this! Welcome back Brian you have been greatly missed!

[@Vassenden_yt]

It's like christmas x10 everytime you upload ❤

[@themanhimself3]

I've never seen the super glue and polyurethane trick used on 3D prints. It looks amazing, thank you for the tip.

[@turkeybaconranch5385]

it's refreshing to see a video made with so much care. Articulating every step along the way, such a rare thing on youtube.

[@Grunblau]

I also wish there were more ‘in depth’ channels on YT… I would rather see people post once a month than once a week, but KZbin rewards more superficial content. Stay strong and resist and I will too!

[@at3313]

Reminds me of some old how to video from decades ago, the music, the way he narrates and even how his narration sounds all make me feel like this is from an early 90s pbs show

[@Grunblau]

Thank you!

[@ebaymagot]

thanks for demonstration with undercuts. I have a project that I'm working on and I will have to revisit because of this tip.

[@PrograError]

btw it's the same idea for vacuum forming, slope make the day for removing that... tho it might not save it from going wonky due to the plastic..

[@hellomate7681]

Timestamp: 0:15 introduces 0:40 making pattern 2:10 mold principles 3:20 mold material 3:35 making mold pattern 4:40 upper mold after hours 5:00 flipped mold after hours 5:15 adding part bottom mold 5:33 bottom mold next morning 5:40 releasing mold pattern 6:00 adding runner mold spruce 6:35 starting casting furnace 7:05 adding crucible material 7:45 adding material to mold 7:55 mold after night 8:05 releasing mold casting 8:35 releasing mold runner 8:43 smoothing casting surfaces 9:50 making mount template 10:07 adding template aluminium 10:35 placing aluminium mount 10:45 final product aluminium casting I hope this would helping. :-)

[@andrewcooke8850]

Nice to see a clean and tidy working practice. A good example of how things should be done 👌

[@richardlo1330]

i've worked in a bronze sculptor's foundry, on wax models through to the finished life sized pieces, a small crew pouring glass into moulds and have done some lost wax and cuttlefish casting for small metal objects. awhile back, i was noodling around with 3d applications/models and renderings...now, i am about 10 months in with 3d printing...it's very VERY satisfying to finally hold in my hand that which was only viewable...on a computer screen. thanks for your processes!

[@Grunblau]

You bet! Have a great weekend…

[@applepie9806]

Niceee, I love that you showed everything in such a clear manner! :D That demonstration of the different cuts really made it easy for me to understand why your particular shape worked

[@jedizero2]

Loving the hungry snail. Great job as always Brian. Keep it up. You inspire me every time.

[@jaredthomas8289]

So glad you're back Brian.

[@goodmusic3679]

I enjoy that the narration style reminds me of a 1960s instructional film. In a good way.

[@Grunblau]

Ha! Thanks…

[@victorrzhang]

The voiceover sounds like old documentaries, i love it!

[@inventwiz]

I normally can’t endure more than a minute of most how-to-clips but, this one was enjoyable, highly informative and covered all the bases. Thanks for posting!

[@Grunblau]

You bet! Hope you come back and check out some of my other videos!

[@romainc2659]

Oh my goood it's been forever since I saw that "drunk octopus wants to fight" image! I remember taking a picture of one I found in a restaurant more than 10 year ago

[@scott5747]

When I was a young man, I worked in a large foundry where they made large valves of cast steel. A hot, dirty and sometimes dangerous environment. A couple guys were missing fingers or more from accidents. They used some type of sand and resin mixture and pressed the sand in with air tools. The pattern makers were true artist and craftsmen. I used to have a small sand pre-casting. It look like a piece of art work and lasted a long time on the shelf before getting smashed. Cheers, Scott

[@CraigsWorkshop]

Fantastic to see you back! I was wondering where you had got to. Great casting result!

[@Khether0001]

Every time you release a new video I have an urge to binge watch your entire library again! You are in another level Brian, Congratulations! Also, you should do voice acting, you have an excellent narrator voice!

[@inna.rudenko8571]

studio.kzbin.infoRMQfzPoPbx4/edit

[@NAANsoft]

There is something about your voice and speak that reminds me of infomercials from the '60s. It brings authority, so it is quite nice. Great video, by the way!

[@Grunblau]

Thank you! Only explanation I have is “midwestern dialect”. I think the Midwest had more to do with US culture in the 50-60’s so more of the information and media came from here.

[@portlyoldman]

My grandfather was a pattern maker when I was a kid in the early sixties and I remember him explaining the craft of building a wooden pattern so that when as the positive pattern it was packed around with casting sand it had to be able to be removed without disturbing the sand. I was fascinated then and still am 😁

[@sebianoti]

I see a new video from Brian, I drop everything I'm doing to watch

[@Grunblau]

Is there a time that would work best for you? :)

[@sebianoti]

@@Grunblau anytime is perfect time 😄

[@The.Talent]

One of the two channels that I have notifications set for. The other is This Old Tony.

[@jimanddeb]

@@Grunblau Every day ;). Welcome back

[@nixie2462]

@@The.Talent exactly.

[@CASSDesigns]

Awesome video! Definitely going to be using tips from this when I think of something to try as a first cast from a 3D print - thanks!

[@ronnetgrazer362]

What an incredibly well made instruction video! As others have already commented, the narration was quite enjoyable, in a retro kind of way. Thanks for helping me realize that I definitely need a 5 axis CNC.

[@Grunblau]

Thank you for your comments! I try to make the subject as approachable as possible…

[@wayneshephard]

Very patient fellow, that's a great result to a process I haven't seen used in workshops since I was a boy, brought back some fond memories of my dad, nice work

[@Bennett5363]

I can never look at those coat hooks in the same way again.

[@PetterBruland]

Very nice! Did not think about the CA glue and Poly urethane trick, I'll have to test that out as your part almost looked vacuum molded. Thanks!

[@Grunblau]

Thanks! Learned that from a pen turner…. I was amazed at how nice the finish ended up!

[@spurnd]

Great narrator voice, reminds me of those old instructional film reels from the 50s or 60s.

[@emerichagens8756]

Thank you for this demo, I worked briefly at a steel foundry on the dog house floor casting parts. I did know about the mold process it is just as I imagined it. Thanks to you I think I will add this to my skill set.

[@Grunblau]

Thanks for the comment! Look for the my monkey cast video. I think that is the future of the home foundry.

[@Rouverius]

That is the most beautiful hungry snail I've ever seen.

[@glmorten]

"You see that coat hanger there, I made that." People are going to look at you like you are crazy lol.

[@adambergendorff2702]

Its been almost 45 yrs since I did any casting, but I thoroughly enjoyed your video, had never seen that type of sand used. That shows how out of the loop I've been.

[@Grunblau]

Thanks! My local foundry place no longer carries Petrobond, they only have sand and a resin mixture that I want to try!

[@samo4866]

I love that your forge is made out of a keg. Definitely need to turn one into a forge.

[@MindMeetMaker]

The finish is always amazing Posh Work again dude 👌

[@wulk0r]

this is content making at the finest. everything is well planed and executed. thank you for sharing your skills

[@inna.rudenko8571]

studio.kzbin.infoRMQfzPoPbx4/edit

[@mathew00]

I'm so happy you made another video. You are so talented and I greatly appreciate that you share your talents! 👍❤👍

[@pancake_crab4457]

Saving this video for the polishing process alone. Finally. A way to smooth prints without buying weird epoxies or using chemical fumes.

[@fredio54]

I'm sure you're not the first, but using a stainless steel beer keg for the outside of your furnace was a GREAT idea :-D

[@kevinm3751]

Here is a tip for you, instead of using super glue to generate a smooth surface on the 3D printed part, use UV light curing resin instead. It makes for a super smooth finish that only needs light sanding and produces an extremely nice finish that wont transfer artifacts.

[@alejandroperez5368]

You're ignoring the fact that what produced those artifacts is not the 3D printed part, but the sand.

[@alx252]

@@alejandroperez5368 ... 1:13 ...

[@ArnaudMEURET]

@@alejandroperez5368 he’s talking of the printing artefacts. Which the CA glue is meant to smooth. Not the casting artefacts.

[@jimmyog]

@@alejandroperez5368 you ignored the fact that he had to smooth the 3D part to get a smooth surface within his mould

[@fredtorres1703]

Can't give you enough thumbs up! Thank you. Your craftsmanship is apreciated.

[@Grunblau]

Thank you very much for your comment!

[@Washburnello]

Love that subtle Fifth Element reference with the match.

[@Grunblau]

I am a meat popsicle…

[@wea71]

This is how you do a maker video, you explain why and not just how. Thank you, Brian!

[@Grunblau]

I miss the old, long form KZbin videos where most people spent more than a couple days on a project…

[@ShaneGadsby]

2:06 Wow, I wasn't aware that Darrell Lea was available outside Australia! It's always seriously tasty (Dark Choc. Licorice Bullets are my fav!)

[@Grunblau]

*Opens Amazon browser window*

[@kymlardnerofficial]

But is it made in Australia ?

[@ShaneGadsby]

@@kymlardnerofficial it sure is! I'm not sure what percentage of ingredients are Australian, but they're still manufactured in Sydney at least.

[@Celtic_Thylacine]

A visit to Darrell Lea was a must any I time I went to the city in Melbourne as a kid.

[@PapayaPositive]

Ok, NOW I want to get into 3d printing. Not before watching this video, but after watching this video. 🤩

[@justinreedflynn]

This is always how I planned on doing casting, thank you for demonstrating!

[@hydroknight01]

I've missed the hell out of your videos, man...

[@StJohnny22]

Fantastic! I started building a forge after your video of it and never got around to finishing it. You may have inspired me finish now. ..."Hungry snail wants a cracker." Not gonna lie, a little bit of coffee came out my nose. Lol

[@aliaslordcaine]

I can’t thank you enough for this video. I’ve been having no luck with green sand and the techniques you have share will lead me to success!

[@bosshogzz]

As much as I try, this man is better than me. I will always watch his ilk. I’m glad you are back!

[@tobymdev]

damn so much work for a coat hanger.

[@ilikecringe]

Yeah lol but good for learning

[@astroknott5877]

I think I would have just used the printed part. But to each his own. Good video in any case.

[@mikemorrison377]

The aluminum is beautiful, but I agree, the 3d printed part was also very nice once he filled with ca glue, sanded and applied the finish. I learned a. Nice way to finish off some 3d printed parts!

[@JacobInzerillo]

@@mikemorrison377 could have hit it with some "aluminum" spray paint and a coat of clear and had a very nice product in less time

[@MrCbell57]

Oh my goodness so much work for a wall hook. As long as I live I would never spend that much time doing anything that took that long. Wow. Incredible what people are doing these days with their time. I thought spending 2 years to restore a car was a bit crazy! But worth 6 figures when done verses a $10 dollar wall hook. That takes days. Still an absolutely incredible process.

[@Grunblau]

I get it… but imagine you are restoring a 1920’s motorcycle and you need a custom pedal. This is how you could go about casting it yourself! Time becomes less of a factor.

[@revico9353]

The mould itself is amazing

[@RobertMilesAI]

Beautiful work! But man, it only has to hold up coats, so the 3d print is plenty strong enough, and looks great after the CA and polyurethane. I would have just gone with that and saved time :P

[@Grunblau]

I might post the 3D model on the website with a modified back for just that reason…

[@AGeekNamedRoss]

"The hungry snail"? no "Slurms McKinsey"? Yes

[@bennylloyd-willner9667]

I thought "Designer Women's Shoe Heel"

[@fschnidi]

Extremely satisfying to watch!

[@erniebahr4666]

I will second the comments of many others here. It is great to see a new video from you. Your work has inspired me for many years. Thank you for taking the time to make and post this video. :)

[@jacob79001]

I know it seems over the top. But just think of all the time and money he saved from not just buying one...

[@NSResponder]

Made an awful lot of work for yourself by not ramming that sand.

[@woodfinchcrafts7267]

That would have prevented air - and CO2 - getting in and hardening the sodium silicate. That's why he mentioned porosity. But I wasn't aware that it would harden in air - I've used CO2 from a soda stream before

[@guimandarin]

Awesome. How can someone dislike this? What is there to dislike? Really professional work, and great video.

[@Chris-wp8po]

Now there's a man who takes pride in his work!

[@tonybrock5288]

Why bother producing a perfectly polished 3d printed part when the finish of the casting is so rough? Rather do the polishing on the finished part. I suspect also that the lack of tamping and a coarse sand is also an issue affecting the finish.

[@sidekickbob7227]

For what it is worth; The smooth surface of the printed part is done for achieving a clean release between the plug and the sand mold. He did not press the sand that hard, because he wanted it to act as an air vent all over the surface. If he had made the mold in a material that didn't provide such good venting, he would have to make venting gates. (With his orientation of the cavity, he would need a vent at each finger. He could turn it upside down with the sprue on the other half, and manage with one single vent, but I'm sure he had his reason for the way he did it) . Anyway, whatever of method, he would have to polish the part afterwards. Removing the first rough surface goes quickly. It's the finer grid who takes most time and effort, and that work will be the same at each method.

[@Sparky666]

I allways use a strainer for the first layer of sand. And i use long cocktail sticks to make small air vents. It will save you a lot of time finishing the cast. And i de-gas and flux the aluminum just before casting.

[@doinker50]

Un-subbed for liking black licorice.. (just kidding i love the content)

[@Grunblau]

Some licorice is better than others… I have to stay away from this stuff or I go through the entire bag in one sitting.

[@tonygagey]

so glad to see your excellent work back on youtube.

[@stephen_himself]

So incredibly glad you’re back to making content! Please, pretty please, keep it coming 😊

[@Grunblau]

I have a few more that are getting close!