Air Assisted Master Caster
well, here it is...my air assisted Master Caster...instead of using your arm and hand to operate a simple valve controls the motions....yes, it takes some getting used to but it sure does save wear and tear on my already stuffed right shoulder....LOL
i should note (another forum member mentioned this) that even though the MC is air assisted it can be operated unassisted as was intended...actually i begin the casting session manually to get the mold up to temp then switch to semi-auto...
BTW, i am running the input pressure at 75psi, the mold carrier air cylinder is flow controlled while the lead pour cylinder is full flow and pressure...
video......... http://youtu.be/H0Vkfr4l_Qc
detail images....... http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y13...agma%20Caster/
Parts list…all from www.mcmaster.com/#
1 – 3368K31, hand operated lever control valve, spring return, exhaust center, $64.02
1 – 8812K32, air regulator w/ gauge, $29.43
2 – 5779K159, tube swivel,1/4 MIPS-3/8” tube, $4.50ea
1 – 62005K333, flow control valve, 3/8-3/8” tube, $27.70
10 – 5112K65, nylon tubing, 3/8” OD, $0.77/ft
1 – 6498K145, SST air cylinder, 3/4” bore-5” stroke, spring return, nose mount, $30.15
1 – 6071K12, forged clevis end, 1/4-28, $4.98
1 – 6498K195, SST air cylinder, 3/4” bore-1/2” stroke, spring return, nose mount, $18.02
1 – 6498K42, rod clevis for 3/4" bore, $4.08
2 – 5779K157, tube swivel, 1/8" MIPS-3/8” tube, $5.10ea
1 – 8975K483, 6061 aluminum bar, 5/8 x 1-1/4 x 12” long, $9.31 (for nose mount cylinders, stand off and pivot)
1 – 4501K72, 1/4" SCH40 brass pipe, 12”L, $8.88 (cut to 2.125” for 1/2” stroke cylinder stand off)
1 – 91251A370, 5/16-24 x 3” SHCS, $7.02 (for mounting 1/2” stroke cylinder to lead valve)
2 – 97345A578, SST 5/16 x 1/2”L shoulder x ¼-20 shoulder screws, $3.54ea (for 5” stroke cylinder pivot)
1 – 9664K19, cut to length extension spring, .375” OD x .035” wire, $3.56 (cut to 4” for mold return spring)
i did add a splash shield to the forged clevis to protect the return spring from lead spatter and i fabricated a splash shield for above the bullet tray to protect the cast bullets from lead splatter from over filling the mold....
wyman....
Air Assisted Master Caster
Thank you for the post and all the directions on making the air assisted Master Caster. Completed mine and have now cast over 1,000 45's.
Will have to make the drip shields. Leaded up the springs and the plunger while fighting a drip. I did have to use 2 of the springs to get a good return.
Also made the air assisted lubrisizer, works great, Thanks again.
You caused me to get a xy table for my drill press to do some milling:)
This is a great site.