|
To get the mold ready for pouring you need a flat metal plate to use as a cover, and you must file a slot in it for the hook. This metal plate can be about the same dimensions as the bronze mold except that it doesn't have to be as thick. You can use a C-clamp to hold the plate against the mold when pouring the hot metal. To make a mold which is easier and quicker to use, get a flat metal plate about in. thick and the same length and width as the mold. Then tap the two sections of the mold to take screws so you can add handles and a hinge. Such a finished mold is shown in Fig. 103. However, it's more work to add the hinges and handles, so unless you plan to pour hundreds of metal squids, use one metal plate for all your molds and clamp it in place. Figure 103. Handles and hinge on metal mold. Metal squids are made in two ways, one type having a stationary hook which is molded right into the block tin body. The other type has a swinging hook which moves freely on an eye or escutcheon pin molded into the tail of the metal squid. These are shown in Fig. 104. Whichever method you use, allow for the hook, escutcheon pin or wire eye when cutting the slot or space in the mold or the cover so that it is held firmly in place while pouring. In other words, all the necessary parts must fit in place so that the mold can be closed snugly.
|
