Metalcasting (Paperback)

~ C. Ammen (Author) "There are a number of basic casting processes that are available to the small-job metalcaster..." (more)
Key Phrases: lignin sulphite, flax swab, radiator chaplets, All Brass, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A-to-Z guide to low-volume metalcasting

There's plenty of demand for one-shot or low production metalcasting job work, but the work often goes begging for lack of anyone to do it. Interested? Metalcasting by C.W. Ammen is packed with step-by-step guidelines for getting started and working effectively and efficiently in this time-honored craft. You get hands-on advice and cost-cutting tips, plus sound ideas for safety and productivity. In easy-to-understand language, this guide shows you how to use metalcrafting's tools and processes, casting and mold making...molding sands...molding equipment....metal melting, handling, and pouring devices...alloys...and more, including: *Patination of cast metals *Working with chemically-bonded molds *Newest molding, casting, and pattern-making techniques

A Frequently Asked Questions section anticipates and responds to typical beginner's queries about applications and repair techniques and other metalcasting issues.

From the Back Cover

Want to cast and finish an art bronze? Make one-of-a-kind jewelry piece? From finding supplies to using innovative casting, molding, and finishing techniques, this learn-as-you-go book - a hit with hobbyists for nearly 20 years - gives you an unbeatable introduction to the rewards of metalcasting. Packed with easy-to-follow instructions, illustrations, patterns, and more, Metalcasting helps you set up your home shop...design projects...work safely...and get professional results, even if you're a beginner. GET PROFESSIONAL METALCASTING RESULTS FROM THE START: Create works of art, furniture, hobby items, jewelry, even machine parts. Use the latest bonded molds for quicker results; perform precision casting with new techniques; Make your own patterns with time-saving directions or use ready-made patterns in this book; Discover the many varieties of casting and molding you can learn step by step; Use the Croning Process, slush casting, the CO2 method, die casting, and more in your own shop; Finish your pieces beautifully with new patination techniques; Learn how to make your hobby profitable.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 1 edition (September 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007134246X
• ISBN-13: 978-0071342469
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #351,320 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

87 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Metalcasting, February 19, 2000

By	Lyle Landstrom (Moorhead, Minnesota) - See all my reviews

If you do not have any other books by the author, C. W. Ammen, then this is a good book. However, if you already have "The Metalcaster's Bible" or "Complete Handbook of Sandcasting" then you already have 90% of this book.

Most of the illustrations and definitions are right out of these other two books. I was dissappointed with this book because I already had the other two books and bought this book for the new information it contained. There's a picture of a permanent mold being poured on the cover with no further explanation in the book about it. Just a short definition. I had bought this book because I thought it dealt with this process in depth. It does not. The cover is misleading.

There is however, a good section on building your own burn out oven for investment casting which is not in any of his other books.

As in his other books, some of the definitions are somewhat sketchy. He refers to "sharp sand" throughout the book with no definition of what it is. He tells of a Nitric Acid test for silicon where you let the mixture boil. Does this mean dissolving the metal (bubbling) or actually boiling the acid over a stove. If you try the latter, it could have severe consequences.

If I saw this book in a bookstore and had a chance to glance through the pages, I would not have bought it as it's almost a direct copy of his other books. If I did not have his other books, I would buy "The complete Handbook of Sand Casting" or the "Metal Caster's Bible" as they contain the same information and illustrations and are half the price.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Metalcasting, November 9, 2002

By	Trevor Jordan Heald (Corvallis, Oregon United States) - See all my reviews

This is a big thick paperback book, that you might think goes into great detail and has a lot of descriptions. Unfortunatly, there is just some background and and brief descriptions of different things. Also, almost half the book is devoted to a glossary. If you want to find out about sand casting, "The complete Sand Casting Manual" also written by him though still not complete, is the book for you.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for beginners, January 30, 2006

By	S. Artis (Central Illinois) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is great for newbies to Metal casting, it provides great details in creating molds, furnaces, and the do's and don'ts.

It gives several different types of molds from sand molds to plaster molds, and gives the advantages and disavantages of both. It explains the various types of furnaces from coke, propane, to waste oil. Finally it gives in perfect detail the causes for various abnormalties in your caste. . .

Great book to get started with. .