Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: johnsironsanctuary on January 08, 2013, 08:50:13 AM

Title: Update on Papaw's Big Wrench
Post by: johnsironsanctuary on January 08, 2013, 08:50:13 AM

I am just about finished varnishing and sanding. The pattern is made out of basswood. Very light and very easy to carve, but the endgrain takes a while to fill and sand smooth. When the pattern is set in sand, it must be smooth to leave a perfect mold when it is removed. The basswood is not very strong, so the foundry will sand cast an aluminum master from the wood piece. The next step is to clean up the master of casting flash at the parting line and make any changes. After that, the master will become the pattern. Each casting will weigh about 12 lbs and is 34 inches long. If anyone is interested in having one, let me know. I am not able to price them yet, but I suspect that it will be over a hundred bucks each with shipping. After you recover from the fainting spell, let me know if you are still interested.

(http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb373/johnsironsanctuary/DSCN2383a.jpg)

Title: Re: Update on Papaw's Big Wrench
Post by: Papaw on January 08, 2013, 09:02:16 AM

Wow!! That blows me away!!

Title: Re: Update on Papaw's Big Wrench
Post by: jimwrench on January 08, 2013, 10:15:16 AM

 That is very nice.

Title: Re: Update on Papaw's Big Wrench
Post by: HeelSpur on January 08, 2013, 10:21:50 AM

That is super cool.

Title: Re: Update on Papaw's Big Wrench
Post by: a-fordable on January 08, 2013, 11:30:17 AM

very unique!

Title: Re: Update on Papaw's Big Wrench
Post by: mikeswrenches on January 08, 2013, 12:10:48 PM

John,

Please put me on the list for one.

Thanks,
Mike

Title: Re: Update on Papaw's Big Wrench
Post by: OilyRascal on January 08, 2013, 08:10:52 PM

Amazing work, John!  Very good of you to do this.

Title: Re: Update on Papaw's Big Wrench
Post by: skipskip on January 08, 2013, 10:30:43 PM

What say we all chip in and buy one for Papaw??


Skip

Title: Re: Update on Papaw's Big Wrench
Post by: johnsironsanctuary on January 08, 2013, 10:55:10 PM

Skip, I promised one to Papaw as a birthday present.  Nice thought though.

Title: Re: Update on Papaw's Big Wrench
Post by: Nolatoolguy on January 09, 2013, 07:00:03 PM

That is very cool!

Title: Re: Update on Papaw's Big Wrench
Post by: johnsironsanctuary on January 10, 2013, 12:26:37 PM

I dropped off the pattern at the foundry this morning. Got to take a walk through tour. It is a very small operation. I'm guessing 15 employees. Jim, the owner showed me some of the things he casts. One of the things he does is replacement heads for Model T Fords. I didn't know that anyone was making an aluminum version. He mostly casts aluminum, but also does brass, bronze and one special cast iron alloy. He will have the aluminum master done in a week or two. I can't wait to see it.