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Post by jkirk3279 on Jan 28, 2017 17:00:25 GMT -8
I've been reading the brilliant work on batch boxes and casting cores.
I plan to build using 55 gallon drums for a convenient "cowling".
I have a model: a tin can merged at right angles with another in what's called a Steinmetz Solid.
The cast core goes in the vertical drum, while the batch box goes in the horizontal one.
An additional drum pops on to cover the riser and act as a smoke bell.
Here's the issue.
I first saw this done by a brilliant welder named Lanny Hanson.
I never figured out if he had a "pencil and string" technique for marking the drums before cutting and welding.
When making the model, I faked it.
If there's a way to mark the union between two cylinders I'd love to discuss methods.
Then there's the issue of heat resistant lining.
The local Craigslist has a lot of granite cut offs.
In theory, granite could be tiled together with the "water glass" refractory to provide a durable hearth.
BTW, I'm curious if anyone has tried the "water glass" stuff.
I've seen video of mixing it with sand and powdered refractory cement to form custom firebrick.
As for fireclay, I read it's light in color. The local clay is black, so maybe the silica content is too low or the organic matter too high.
Has anyone actually scavenged their own fireclay ?
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Post by smartliketruck on Jan 28, 2017 17:49:13 GMT -8
Actual quarried granite is one thing, I've collected "cultured" granite locally but wouldn't use it flame side for anything as polymer resins are used in at least some. It will make for some pretty window dressing on a few of my projects some day.
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Post by smartliketruck on Jan 28, 2017 18:32:39 GMT -8
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Post by Vortex on Jan 29, 2017 3:37:04 GMT -8
As for fireclay, I read it's light in color. The local clay is black, so maybe the silica content is too low or the organic matter too high. Has anyone actually scavenged their own fireclay ? Black doesn't sound good, fireclays are usually mostly alumina and silica which are light in colour. Research your local geology. Mine turned out to be perfect, this was the raw clay After being dried, sieved down to 3mm and mixed with 20% Calcium aluminate cement (fondue cement), cast and set into the back of my firebox: 4 months later it's still perfect.
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Post by pinhead on Jan 30, 2017 7:59:19 GMT -8
As for fireclay, I read it's light in color. The local clay is black, so maybe the silica content is too low or the organic matter too high. Has anyone actually scavenged their own fireclay ? Black doesn't sound good, fireclays are usually mostly alumina and silica which are light in colour. I found some very pure clay that is much lighter color; I'd say it's closer to white than gray. Do you suppose it'll make good fireclay?
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Post by Vortex on Jan 30, 2017 9:38:52 GMT -8
It's possible, depends on what it's made of. Look up the geology of the area you live in, that will give you a good idea. The best are clays of Alumina and Silica, but most clay will work to some degree. Dig a small batch and make a little cast in something like a plastic takeaway tray, then test fire it in your firebox.
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Post by jkirk3279 on Feb 7, 2017 11:59:19 GMT -8
"Coping" was the right link.
There's a webpage that will generate the Sine Wave for you, based on the diameter and angle of union.
It maxes out at ten inches so you need to put anything over that to scale, save as PDF and then increase the scale when you print.
I also printed off the algorithm used, but that will take some work.
There's a DOS based program you can download, and an iOS app that does all the heavy lifting for $4.99
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