Hensley & Gibbs Mold HELP!

[JTknives]

I am in need of some numbers from any 4 cav Hensley & Gibbs Mold. I am needing the mould block dementions as well as the positions of the pivot screw and stop screw. I would also like to know how thick the sprue plate is as well as its length. I'm drawing up a basic 4 cav mould block blue print to closely match the Hensley & Gibbs 4 cav Molds and have not found any mesurments. I would be greatly thankfull and in your debt.

JT

[.30/30 Guy]

Length = 2 5/8"
Width = 1 1/4"
Depth = 1 9/16"
Sprue Plate Thickness = 1/4"
Sprue Plate Length = 3 3/4"
Both Screws = 3/16" in on the width dimension
Stop Screw = 3/8" in on the length dimension
Pivot Screw = 1/4" in on the length dimension

If you have any questions on the dimension please let me know.

[JTknives]

Thanks so so much, your a life saver. i wonder is all 4 cav molds are the same size?

[BCall]

Mine runs the same as his.

[JTknives]

Mine runs the same as his.

Thanks

[JTknives]

Length = 2 5/8"
Width = 1 1/4"
Depth = 1 9/16"
Sprue Plate Thickness = 1/4"
Sprue Plate Length = 3 3/4"
Both Screws = 3/16" in on the width dimension
Stop Screw = 3/8" in on the length dimension
Pivot Screw = 1/4" in on the length dimension

If you have any questions on the dimension please let me know.

is the screw hole position to the edge of the hole or the center?

[.30/30 Guy]

Dimensions are to center of the hole.

[Texasflyboy]

Thanks so so much, your a life saver. i wonder is all 4 cav molds are the same size?

No, not all four cavity Hensley & Gibbs moulds are the same size. There are three general size groups:

A. The earliest 4 cavity moulds, using the single size handles (clamshell type) that have a .250" handle groove. These are the thinnest size in cross section. Dates generally run about 1936 to 1941.

B. The most prolific and most commonly encountered from about 1941 through 1990 used a .250" handle cut and the pliers type handles.

C. The last version, about 1990 through 1999 (end of production) which use the .308" handle cut and the standardized handles (these handles fit both two cavity and four cavity handles.

Here is a pic of a set of blocks showing the "B" and "C" blocks:

http://hgmould.gunloads.com/casting/thickthin_files/image002.gif


And here is an article showing all three styles (A, B, C):

Four Cavity Handles - The Thick and Thin (http://hgmould.gunloads.com/casting/thickthin.htm)

[JTknives]

so if i'm reading this right not only the handles changed but the size of the mould blocks did as well? whats the size of newest mould?

[Texasflyboy]

so if i'm reading this right not only the handles changed but the size of the mould blocks did as well? whats the size of newest mould?

I am not sure the size of the handles changed but the thickness of the arms that engage the blocks did. Blocks A & B used .250" thick engagement arms. C blocks used .308" thick arms.

The dimensions of the blocks were not set in stone, but the engagement surfaces for the handles (the width of the slot cut) probably was for A, B, and C blocks.

If you are trying to make a "one size fit all" set of handles for 4 Cavity Hensley & Gibbs moulds, I would suggest you focus on the "B" sized blocks as my professional guess is that these comprise about 75% of the population. The C blocks were only around for 10 years before Wayne closed up shop in 1999.

I have one, possible two sets of the new style "C" blocks but I am out of pocket until the weekend. If you PM me with your request I will measure and post photos in this thread this weekend.

Tom in VA