Smelko Foundry on sand

"The grain size (AFS GFN) number we suggest for aluminum ranges according to the size and complexity of your casting. In really general working (job shops) we would usually start with a #130 sand. The two most common sizes we make ALUMINUM blends are #115 and #130 (while for IRON they are always much coarser, as in #60 -#80) To this we add 4-5 ingredients, (mostly comprising of a total clay addition in the 4.5% - 7% range to give sand strengths for molding)… then a couple other carbonaceous additives to make casting surface finish as good as possible!"

"other carbonaceous additives" = sea coal and wood flour, based on one guy who just bought the ingredients from them instead of buying it pre-mulled.
See above about possible concerns with using organics though.
Their sand is awesome, that much I know from my own experience.
And their clay is mostly if not entirely calcium bentonite. Ie. Not what's in kitty litter or Quik gel. :(

A panoramic view of the garage, now wood shop & foundry building.  A cleanup is in progress but to make it really happen I need to get some less interesting projects finished.

First up is a drawer with a busted bottom.  The bottom is MDF.  First I glued the dovetails back together then laminated an 1/8" sheet of plywood under the broken area.



A quarter round to support the edge because the patch is below the groove.

Weights were not enough to flatten the patch which was a bit warped.  Additional clamping to the left.

The drawn bottom is still fuggly.  I will suggest a sheet of card stock in the bottom.  Its not like this is fine furniture.   Had I replaced the bottom it may have well destroyed the MDF and fiber parts of this drawer..  Good enough.

Experimeted with refilling a fire extinguisher.   Most of the originall powder was still there so I topped it off with baking soda.  Put in a bit too much baking soda and not quite enough air.  Mostly want to see if it will leak down.  If so I will try blowing out the valve.

We purchased 2 new ones but it would be nice to have this used one as a backup.