I finally finished assembling the machine.
Based on the work listed in this thread -> http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=153579
I wanted to go one step further and make it totally automated.
My brother Robert (No_1) automated his using timers and hydraulics.
I wanted to use pneumatics and use a PLC.
That is the one done by No_1 (my brother).
The thread concerning that build is here -> http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=89909
This is the video of it running -> http://smg.beta.photobucket.com/user...a/003.mp4.html
I can't afford to do hydraulic like No_1's setup as its very expensive compared to the Air setup and he uses 8 timing relays to control the MC
My intial setup is the exact same as wymanwinn's but what is going to be different is the controls. I am not doing a manual control. i want it to be automatic like NO_1's is.
I installed a micro-switch (limit switch) at the base under the handle.
Everything is based off of that switch.
Switch closed (input 1) -> WAIT 1 seconds -> start lead pour relay (output 1 for 5 sec) -> boolit dump (output 2 for 4 sec)
The entire cycle is about 11 seconds from start to finish. Thats about 655 boolits a hour. I have cast 225 grain 41 mags and 115 grain 9mms using the same program with the only adjustment being the lead pour POT.
Keep in mind that the lead pour adjustment doesn't affect the lead pour relay time. I use a one shot relay that is adjustable so regardless of how long the signal is sent to it, it will only close for the amount of time based on the pot.
There are 1 PLC, 2 solid state relays (SSR), 1 standard 2 pole relay (t92 style), 2 3-way air switches, 1 timing relay, 1 250K pot (to control lead pour), 2 DC powersupplies (not enough height for 1 big one), and various switches.
I will make a list of individual parts for anyone that is interested. Honestly anyone that owns a Master caster should at least automate the lead pour. It doesn't take a lot of parts and can be done in a couple hours tops.
Click the pics for high res
Enough talking. Here is a video when I was casting 158 gran SWC 38s.