Brass Mould

[shaman]

I just received a brass .735 mould from Track of the Wolf for my Brown Bess that's due to arrive any day.

This is my first time with a brass mould. What would you all recommend as proper prep to get this mould ready for action. My instinct would be to polish it up with Flitz and have at it.

[lightman]

I wouldn't polish it. I would spray the insides with brake cleaner and scrub it with a toothbrush and cast with it.

[Beagle333]

I use a toothbrush and Dawn on all of my brass molds, then start casting.

[shaman]

OK, cool. Many thanks. This is easier than I thought.

[gwpercle]

I don't like getting water around my moulds ... I clean with t00thbrush and Brake Cleaner , Lacquer Thinner or my favorite ... Acetone .

Dawn and Water is for doing the dishes and baby ducks !
Gary

[Tazman1602]

I wouldn't polish it. I would spray the insides with brake cleaner and scrub it with a toothbrush and cast with it.

^^^^^^^ This all day long….

Art

[rockrat]

I use carb cleaner, outside. Berrymans B12, has acetone, ether, alcohol and mek. Let dry, lube sprue plate and pins and pre-heat.

[Mal Paso]

Actually tarnish is your friend, keeps the lead/tin from sticking. Heat cycle the mold to 400F a few times to give the mold some color before casting.

They used to solder copper pipe to brass fittings with lead/tin alloy and it works well on clean brass.

[Nobade]

Also don't let it overheat or it can warp.

[PhatForrest]

Clean it with acetone or denatured alcohol and give it a few heat cycles on an electric burner without letting the temp go crazy. Haven't ruined one yet.

[Four-Sixty]

I agree with a few heat cycles prior to use.

I used my first brass mold right after receipt and saw a small spot where lead adhered to it like solder. Cleaned that off and baked it in the oven three times. It got a brownish/purple patina and lead sticks no more.

I clean with soap and water only. Using brake cleaner only frustrated casting due to residues left behind

[shaman]

Thanks guys! I'm taking notes.

[justindad]

When you end your casting session and the mold is still hot, use a piece of wood with an edge to rub off any pieces of lead debris that accumulated on the parting surfaces. It’s easy to do while the mold is still hot, but can really stick if you leave it there as the mold cools off.