Castings for Norden

This morning I have received a sample set of castings from Blackgates Engineering, for my model 'Norden' the 18th century mill engine which is currently being serialised in ME.

I have only been able to give them a quick look over:

The castings are the base, flywheel, two pulleys, cylinder, cylinder end cap, steamchest and steamchest cover. They are also including a 'Tich' eccentric casting which is suitable for the model.

The fine spoke cross sections are vulnerable to flash but this should be easy enough to remedy with multi-tool as I did on the original. I can't see how this could be avoided without resort to much more expensive lost-wax casting.

It looks like the price will be very reasonable, perhaps a good choice for someone who has been put off by the cost of castings for some larger models.

Please contact Blackgates direct if you are interested in a set. I plan to do some trial machining in the near future.

Neil

Good Luck

Hi Neil,could not have most of these castings have been machined from solid? As it seem to me to be an expensive route to buy castings as opposed to lumps of metal.

Just my thoughts.Have fun mark P.

HI Mark,

Having machined the patterns for the flywheel and pulley from aluminium alloy, I can say yes it is possible. The curved, cross-shaped flywheel spokes were both a challenge and very time consuming even in light alloy. I would say it took me several days to make and finish the pattern, and a few hours to fettle and machine the original flywheel casting.

The cylinder would be a difficult exercise to machine from the solid, if you want to replicate the raised band, but you could stick or braze a semicircular piece in place (that's how I made the pattern).

The suggested price is considerably less than castings I once bought for a single cylinder oscillator (admittedly in gunmetal) and probably not far off the cost of buying slices of cast iron to machine.

There is already some fabrication (the table from steel angle). Those who do not have a full scrap bin, or don't fancy chewing out the flywheel will probably choose castings.

In the end it will be up to individuals what they choose, I'll be pleased as punch if anyone makes the model, however they decide to do it.

Neil

Are you going to tell us the cost Neil?

I have to confirm with Blackgates, it will be modest compared to many casting sets.

Neil

Hello All,

I've just spoken to Phil at Blackgates.

Nordern castings will be £40 + vat + p&p for the full set.

He will also be able to supply bevel gears and angle for the table, if requested.

We are going to see if we can produce a pair of matched castings for the table.

Neil

Edited By Stub Mandrel on 13/06/2013 10:53:51