This introduction to pattern-making will explore the ways making castings of iron or other metals can enhance many maker projects. Making castings is often thought to be out of the reach of the amateur but this is not true. Patterns for simple castings are quite easy to make and the use of castings can aid many projects.

There are basic “rules” that, if followed, will assure success. These aspects of pattern making will be explained; such factors as “draft” and shrinkage will be looked at as well as how to avoid problems with cross-sectional variances. The use of filleting wax will be discussed as well. John will show how to mount your pattern on a board so it can be quickly handled by the foundry with less likelihood of miss-matched cope and drag in the finished casting. He will also discuss the use of cores and core boxes.

The information and instructions provided in this talk should allow anyone with basic wood-working skills to make small patterns for small castings. John will also touch on how the use of 3-D printing could allow you to make quite complex patterns easily.

John will show a number of actual patterns that he or others have made. These will allow those attending the lecture to get a better “hands-on” perspective on this fascinating and useful skill set.

This event is $5 to non-members, free to Maker Works members (use code "MEMBER-5" when you register to get the member rate).