Colloidal Graphite in Isopropanol
Back around 2004 I was given a small (2.0 oz) bottle of colloidal graphite in isopropanol. Have enjoyed success coating my molds with it before casting. I de-grease my molds with carb cleaner, clean cotton rags and Q-tips. I then coat the mold with the graphite. It dries on fast and I usually give the mold a second coat. The boolits drop out of the mold easily and lead sticking to the mold is not a problem. Does anyone know where I can buy some more of this? The label on my bottel can not be read.
Also I believe that the graphite maybe working as a lube on the sprue plate pivot. I have been reluctant to try bees wax on it as I fear it will flow into the mold cavity and screw up the quality of the casting.
Would like to hear from those of you in the know.
Thanks, Sendaro
Colloidal Graphite in Isopropanol
Quote:
Originally Posted by
375RUGER
Extremely thin liquid. When the alcohol evaporates off it leaves a layer of graphite that is about 10 microns thick or less.
Exactly.
I used to use the Frankford Arsenal graphited spray "Drop Out" on my molds when I was new to casting. After I found I didn't really need it, and that my molds actually worked, as designed, better without it, I stopped using it. I used it up on my ingot molds, just to help things out on the rougher ones. After it was gone, I acquired some cast iron cookie molds I like to use for some ingots...I use different molds for different metals and alloys, then I never risk mixing them up...anyway, one was pretty sticky due to the finer details. Really must made bad cookies. I was out if Drop Out, and didn't want to spent $14 + shipping to see if it helped. So, I knew I had some graphite products in my old locksmith tool box. I had a little Lock-Ease left.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/22/evy3y7yn.jpg
From the manufacturer :
Protects against sticking, rust, and freezing. Lock-Ease makes locks work easier year-round. Prevents sticking, guards against rust and wear. Helps seal out moisture from working parts, providing maximum protection against freezing. Enters as a rapid penetrant coating all lock parts. The special “carrier” then evaporates, leaving a graphited long-wearing film. After evaporation, will not run, even in hottest climates…won’t harden at sub-zero temperatures. Suggested Applications: Recommended for all types of locks, household appliances, tools, guns, reels and other mechanisms.
So I tried it out. I accelerated the evaporation by heating the molds over my smelting burner (careful, it's flammable). Seems like it might have helped the ones that didn't need it, but the not the sticky one too much. But, I think the resulting film is much thinner than the Drop Out coating, so it might have merit for sticky bullet molds. I think I'd definitely prefer that to Kroil method, which I wasn't too impressed with.
It is widely available at most Hardware stores, even Walmart, where it's probably the cheapest. It's also available in a squeeze bottle, which might work better for applying only a small amount on the sprue plate or pins. Just make sure the solvent has all evaporated before subject to molten lead. It will smoke a lot if use you hot plate or burner to speed it up, so it's an outside or at least open garage door job.
