Its ALIVE automating master caster

[HATCH]

i'm wanting to convert my mc to a semi-auto version but have no experience in pneumatics. I don't really want to buy a bunch of parts that are not the right ones, for instance, the cylinders and controller valve. Should i get a double or single acting cylinder, a control valve that is 4 way 2 position or 3 position? What kind of pressure regulator or air flow valve? I would like to make it like the one in wyman's video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0vkfr4l_qc
does anyone have any specific part numbers or information? I'd also like to eventually convert my upside down lee sizer to pneumatic with a joystick controller but feed the bullets one at a time by hand. I just don't need a popeye sized right arm and sore shoulder.
I already have a pid but don't think it is very accurate. At 585 degrees my lead is melted and that is approximately 35 degrees low.
So any help you gurus are willing to share will be greatly appreciated.

PLEASE READ - > http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...o-skin-the-cat

it will answer A LOT of your potential questions.
There are links to Wymans build thread.

Lead melting depends on you alloy.
Below is a graph that shows different material mixed with lead.




If you have a high enough TIN ratio your alloy could melt as low as 361 degrees F


Once you finish reading the thread I listed above and the corresponding links feel free to contact me. I will be more then happy to answer your questions and point you in the right direction.

Wyman listed all the parts needed to build is setup (minus the automated panel)

[wlkjr]

Thanks. I will re-read all those links again. I must have overlooked it somehow. Information retention is not for those over 65 or 66, I forgot.

[wlkjr]

I have found the parts list. I know I read it but forgot where it was. Should have highlighted and printed when I read it. Thanks I'm on my way.

[HATCH]

Great. Keep in mind that there was a change. We started using a double acting air cylinder instead of the spring return movement (5inch)
If you just plan on doing it via hand control then spring return will still work.
In fact automating it will still work spring return, there will just be a wire you don't use in the wiring pigtail I provide.

Charles


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[wlkjr]

I have ordered all the parts from McMaster-Carr. Boy have some of them gone up. Total from the old price list was $237 and new price is $288. If I can pull off this modification to the Master Caster, then I'll attempt to convert my upside down Lee sizer to an air system. It shouldn't be that expensive since I may be able to use a less expensive control valve and only need one air cylinder.
I'll update as soon as I get going on this as I'm sure I'll have some questions about the assembly.

[HATCH]

The star sizer only needs one air cylinder if your not lubing bullets


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[wlkjr]

I coat with Hi-Tek and size on a Lee Challenger turned upside down. If I convert to a pneumatic system like on the MC, I can feed the boolits one at a time by hand. I'm not looking for hi production, just to make it easier on my arm and shoulder.
For those who have already modified for a pneumatic system, some close up pictures would be nice. I've got a good idea how all this hooks up but there's a few things I'm not sure about.

[HATCH]

https://youtu.be/01zbImsdkbg


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[HATCH]

Jmorris. He is a member on here and a good guy IMHO


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[wlkjr]

I wish I had that talent. I'm more of a woodworker and not much metal skills. Would be awfully nice to convert mine like that.

[Plate plinker]

Old video showing just the machine.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WbWokt2puw4

[Plate plinker]

[Plate plinker]

[Tazza]

Very simple method of setting it up, well done.

Do you have limit switches hooked up? So if there is a jamb up, the lead will not drop? That is one feature i feel was an excellent addition to the wyman/hatch setup.

Mine is computer based with an Arduino, i do really like it, it has code in it that if something gets stuck, it tries to free its self up automatically.

The youtube video shows it working pretty well.

Happy casting!

[wlkjr]

Does anyone with the hand controller have any pics or information regarding the 5 ports on the controller? I'm going to attempt to start on the mods tomorrow. I'd like to see an overhead pic of how the plastic tubing connects to the different ports on the controller and how the regulator hooks to the controller. Also need to know which port the inline air flow valve connects to. I'm also assuming that the unused ports are plugged off with a brass plug.
Hints please someone.

[HATCH]

You need to ask wyman


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[wlkjr]

You need to ask wyman


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I sent him an email two weeks ago but never got a reply.

[Plate plinker]

I would think it is easy. One port is air into valve body. Two ports should led air to the double acting cylinder and two exhaust ports. The top picture in post #33 has five ports, but you only see 3 as the exhaust ports don't have mufflers yet.

[wlkjr]

I think I have it figured out. Thanks.

[wlkjr]

I kinda put the cart before the horse today. Went to my buddy's house and he welded up a bracket for my Lee Challenger sizer. That is really going to make sizing so much better. I'm undecided whether to go with a 3/4" or 1 1/16" bore air cylinder. What would be the downside to using the larger size?