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Thread: NOE and Lee Sprue opening jigs

  1. #1
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    NOE and Lee Sprue opening jigs

    Sprue plate opening jig for lee 2 cavity mold initial prototype.



    I figured tapping on the sprue plate to cut the sprues did the aluminum 2 cavity molds no favors so came up with this prototype “jig”

    You set the mold on the mold rest, and slide the mold in to the mold body stop making sure the sprue plate is under the Mold lever stop (I know the name doesn’t make good sense I will change the name later)



    Press down on the mold handles cutting the sprues into the basket



    Tap on hinge lightly if needed to release boolits.
    I’m planning on putting metal sleeves over the bolt threads and making a longer mold body stop.
    So far it works.
    Last edited by JonB_in_Glencoe; 03-14-2018 at 11:29 AM. Reason: edited title only

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    Boolit Grand Master OS OK's Avatar
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    'PDS' . . . purdy dang slick !
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  3. #3
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    You should soon get to the point of opening the sprue plate with your gloved hand
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  4. #4
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    JonB_in_Glencoe's Avatar
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    It took me quite a while to figure out the gloved hand technique...but when I did, I couldn't believe I didn't do that sooner. Pre-heating the mold is a prerequisite.
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  5. #5
    Boolit Master

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    I use a large spoon to scoop my sprue from the folded towel. I intend to modify a large spoon to have a slot to pry the sprue plate open rather than use a gloved hand. I also use the large spoon to inspect the boolits before placing them into the metal container where I deposit cast boolits. I often use two molds, of different calibers, at the same time. I find I cane fill the mold, set it down, pick up the previous mold, open, and inspect boolits, and repeat. I previously had a wooden dowel, (closet rod with bicycle inner tube) with a spoon inserted on one end. I would prefer to open the sprue plate with the mechanical advantage provided by a spoon with a slotted cut. I just need to do it.
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  6. #6
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    I never had a problem using a gloved hand by setting the mold on the edge of the pot to warm. Then when I am ready to start, I just dip the corner in for 15 count then cast away.
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  7. #7
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    I started using a dipper and gloved hands, I found bottom pour to be so much quicker and cleaner All the "garbage" floats on top

    Size 3xl gloves are a little snug and they tend to start shrinking after a few casting sessions.

    I do use a hotplate; I prewarm the molds to 400-450°

    My joints are becoming an (unfortunately) good barometer so "necessity is the mother of invention"
    Last edited by Grmps; 01-25-2018 at 05:49 PM.

  8. #8
    Boolit Master BNE's Avatar
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    Cool idea. Thanks.
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  9. #9
    Boolit Buddy
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    I like it! Got to try it.

  10. #10
    Boolit Grand Master

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    If we all liked and used the same, think what a short discussion most subjects would produce. If it works for you, it's the right way.
    Yours is a novel approach.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Information not shared. is wasted.

  11. #11
    Boolit Buddy
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    Cgood idea, I am going to make one up. Would let us old guys with joint issues cast a few more years. Keep ideas coming. Thanks

  12. #12
    Boolit Man

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    I like it too Grmps, pretty durn slick.

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  13. #13
    Boolit Mold
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    I love the basket. It would be perfect for PC.

  14. #14
    Boolit Buddy pacomdiver's Avatar
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    Greg, i use the same type baskets for my powdercoat, got them from bed, bath and beyond last year for 7 or 8 bucks each, have one for each color i coat

  15. #15
    Boolit Master Handloader109's Avatar
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    Good idea if your hands are hiring. I don't use warmer, mold on side of pot to preheat. Gloves, open with hand, catch sprue and drop back into the pot. Easy

  16. #16
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    Nice idea I will copy! Hand arthritis is creeping in on me and after 2 carpal tunnel surgeries anything I can do to be less repeat stress is a good thing!

  17. #17
    Boolit Master Oklahoma Rebel's Avatar
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    the gloved hand method, do you grasp the end of the mold block with your palm and first 2-3 fingers, and use your thumb to push on the sprueplate? I have heard of the gloved hand method before, but cant really picture it...
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  18. #18
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    With a little modification, this also works for NOE molds
    remove the mold body stop bolt and move the sprue "stopper farther out (set to match your mold)
    this works for my 4 cavity mold but the mold body stop bolt scratches the back of the mold







  19. #19
    Boolit Master
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    I like the glove hand method. I have to admit when I gave the wooden dowel method a try the sprue went a flying. I could get behind a jig like this. I like slow and with control. Looks good to me.

  20. #20
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    NOE revision, you could replace the bolt with a piece of wood
    Works great with NOE molds






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