Automated lead pour for the Master Caster
Has anyone done this yet?
I was thinking about trying to figure out a easy setup that didn't require a PLC or anything expensive.
Before I started putting together something, I was just wondering if someone had something that worked for them.
Prefer using a electric solenoid just because I didn't want to run the air compressor but didn't want to also do a pile of modifications to the machine either.
Also wanted it to run on 120v so didn't need to use a power supply.
Automated lead pour for the Master Caster
Tappers have been a dream that no one has been able to really do correctly.
Ideally I would want to use electronic solenoids for the tappers instead of air cylinders.
No_1 did have a setup for air cylinders and they did work.
My panel setup has a double tap feature built into it so it will do multiple strikes at the bottom to knock the boolits out.
I needed it for my 40 cal HPs
This is where I stand on the auto lead pour.
I need to bend the bracket that holds the solenoid.
Auto lead pour using air is complete. In fact it’s been complete for a long while because it was incorporated in my first master caster panel.
Initially the PLC handled timing only and I didn’t use a touchscreen.
I used timing relay and potentiometer to do the lead pour. Worked great.
But when I upgraded my setup, I went with a touch screen and incorporated lead pour into the PLC. Doing away with the separate timing setup.
I have almost three weeks off for Christmas so I am hoping to get a lot of these small projects finished.
First up is to get my shop finally back up and running.
I am ashamed to say that I have been in my current house since Oct 2015 and haven’t cast or sized one boolit.
Didn’t have a caster to start with because my buddy took it apart to copy it. It’s still apart but no telling where all the pieces are. It’s about 80% copied. Had to purchase and setup a new one.
Now the problem is I need to run the air lines from compressor to the equipment.
I bought the rapid air kit thinking it would work and save me a hassle.
Nope it’s junk. Tubing blows out of the fittings and I am running 80% the rated air pressure.
So got to remove all the air lines. I am going with PVC. It’s a climate controlled building
Sold my enclosed trailer so the stuff I had stored in it is now in the middle of my shop.
I could go on and on.
650 is setup. I have loaded 10k + boolits.
Most were cast and sized prior to the move.
I did contact Casting Machine and purchase a couple thousand 40 cal 180s to hold me over.
Have 38sp, 40 sw, and 45acp tool heads and conversions for the 650.
550 is setup. Have everything for it. 15 different calibers.
Have a second 550 sitting in a box along with a SDB that is setup in 45acp.
Case pro100 setup in 40. Waiting to get automated...... on and on.