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Identifying flasks and casting grain weights – I
mark each wax tree with a number and this
number identifies the casting charge and the
flask. I mark the flask with a sharpie and after
the investment has set up at about the time I
remove the sprue base I use a pick and scratch
the casting charge weight in grams into the
investment. I draw a line under the numbers for
orientation and simplicity. I usually have 5-9
flasks in a burnout and occasionally stack them.
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Timing the investment – The mixing of
investment and water begins a chemical
reaction which requires planning and attention
to achieve predictable results. I have a
darkroom timer that provides great visual
reinforcement of the process and time
remaining. I cut little points from blue painter’s
tape to show where each process needs to be
at a specific time: mix, pull vacuum, pour in
flasks, etc. This is a little different for each
brand of investment and I have worked out
times for two types. This is why I use the blue
tape – it peels easier than other kinds as I do
change them. The manufacturers guideline is a
good schedule to follow.
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Math is your friend - measure investment
accurately and use a good scale. I have a
Detecto T5 and it was about $80. I have a two
compartment tray I use and the scale is set to
zero with the tray. Why do I use a two
compartment tray? It’s what was in the
cupboard and it dumps cleanly into the sifter.
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