Customer Reviews

How to Cast Small Metal and Rubber Parts (2nd Edition)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the only source I have ever found for non-commercial molding of rubberlike compounds. While this 1986 edition does not address possible new developments in this area (Loctite now sells material which appears to be the same as the Devcon product highlighted in the book), it is the only information I have ever seen on creating rubber parts for the home hobbyist and restorer. The chapter on weights and volumes is valuable, as these materials are rather expensive. The metal casting section is similar to others on the market, and is primarily focused on sand casting of aluminum. This limited focus, skimming over most other methods and materials, limits it to a four star rating. If you want to mold rubber parts though, this is IT.

An amateur can quickly learn casting techniques to make small and simple metal and rubber parts by following examples and illustrations in this book. The Make it yourself foundry equipments chapter is helpful for beginner to start with this hobby without spending too much money. However, the main technique presented is sand casting, there is not enough examples or info on other casting techniques.

I have a background in similar skills and I was interested in this book because I wanted a knowledge of working with rubber, but a better title would have been "How To Cast Small Metal And RUBBERY Parts". There is no coverage of actual rubber. So that being said, the book is very comprehensive and the author gives very accurate and easy to understand information.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn these skills, just know it covers urethanes as rubber and not rubber.

For someone just getting into hobby metal or rubber casting, this is singlehandedly the best book on the subject. Although there are numerous other books, most of them are either poorly written or have too much information. This book has just enough information to allow you to build your own cheap metal crucible furnace and show you how to use it. Eventually you will want other books on the subject but only after this book gets you started. The section regarding rubber casting is still usable but it only pertains to one brand of rubber. When referring to this section, be aware that there are many other brands of rubber that can be used but the technique used in this book can be used universally. This is a very good book and I recommend it to anyone starting hobby casting.

The overview of metal and rubber casting sections are solid and give you an idea of the scope and directions in which things can be done. It only goes into detail on sand-casting for metal objects, though, and I was really hoping for more detail on lost-wax casting, since the book points to it as another possibility for the hobbyist. Also, be aware that it is really written toward the hobbyist who is casting parts for restoring cars. Obviously, the information can be translated to other uses, but the writer will give examples focused around car parts and what metals work best for that, rather than other uses.

I have a first edition by the elusive TAB Books (McGraw-Hill). I don't know if they print these today. This was the basic book back in the 1980s for molding and a great start today if inexpensively purchased. There are other books today that are more detailed and up to date. The materials and access to the materials have advanced for the hobby molder since the book was published due to the internet. Again, still a good book to have on the bookshelf if you can pick one up cheap.

Not knowing anything about the subject I picked up this book and found it surprisingly fun to read and very informative. It tells you how to build your molds and some of the equipment needed or where to buy it. For a beginner it is an excellent book. One that will inspire one to try making something while clearly and simply outlining the procedures necessary.
You will enjoy this short succinct book and the methods outlined.

How to Cast Small Metal and Rubber Parts is an excellent resource for the hobbiest or restoration pro that needs to recreate parts that can no longer be sourced from the manufacturer or aftermarket. Cannon's writing style is clear and the photos are very helpful.

Highly recommended!

Excellent book for casting small rubber parts useful in auto restoration
worth the money!!!

a good book well put together with a lot of good information witch i enjoyed reading