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Skipping mold vents cost me a good casting and a scare
I used to go along with the crew saying vent holes in sand molds are a waste of time. They argued it speeds up the job for simple shapes. Last Tuesday, I poured a bronze bracket without any vents to keep pace. The mold looked fine until it started to bubble and hiss. Then it cracked open, sending metal splashing onto the floor. My boots got hit, and the bracket came out full of holes. Everyone acts like this rarely happens, but I call that luck, not skill. Now I punch vents every single time, no matter what the others say.
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pat4241mo ago
Gotta love when taking a shortcut turns into a speed run for new pants. So much for "simple shapes don't need vents," guess the mold wanted to be an art project instead. Nothing like a little surprise bronze shower to really make the job fun. Your boots probably have more character now, at least.
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rileycooper22d ago
Just drill a tiny vent hole next time.
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