[SEL] 8hp Blackstone/cast engine plate

[Rupert]

Hello Jerry,
	I've used the old hand method of making and engraving in the past. I 
use Autocad 2000 now to create the drawing in DXF format. Then import 
the DXF file into Sheetcam to get the Gcode, Notepad to edit the code 
(if necessary) and then load the code into Mach3 to control a CNC router 
table I built last year.
	In this case, I would load the image into Autocad and trace the 
outlines into different layers. I bought PhotoVcarve recently which I 
think will remove some steps as I think it will go directly from the 
image to outputting the Gcode. PhotoVcarve is new to me so I'm still 
learning it.
	I would use the CNC to cut several wood patterns and then mount them on 
a pattern board if there is any likelihood of more than one casting 
needed. I would then use the pattern board to make a sand mold using an 
oil base sand (petrobond). That is, if the casting is thick enough to 
use the sand casting method. Another way is to use investment casting to 
cast the plates. Investment casting works better if the part is too thin 
for sand casting.
	Do you have a dimension or two to get the size right?

Rupert
Ps. I will put up a web page on the sand/sodium silicate process as 
others have asked the same question. Remind me if I haven't made an 
announcement in a few days.

On 5/25/2010 12:23 PM, Jerry Evans wrote:
>
> Hi again Rupert,
>           The pic that Patrick linked to:
> <http://www.oldengine.org/members/pml/myengines/blackstone/blkstnbadge.jpg>
> should be good enough.
>
>           What will you use to create the "Master" ?
>
>
>           If you would like to give it a try then I'd like to get involved
> as well (joint project) I could copy the plate the same way as I do for my
> etched plates (no modern computer fonts - redraw each letter the way it was
> originally. I also use a CAD programme and could send you a .dxf file to
> import. You take it from there.
>
>           Think about it and let me know.
>
> Keep the revs up (or down)
> Jerry Evans
> Near Johannesburg in Sunny South Africa.
> Etched Brass Engine Plates made to order:
> <www.oldengine.org/members/evans/plates/index.htm>
>
-- 

yvt

Rupert Wenig
Camrose, Alberta, Canada.	

email: rwenig2 at xplornet.com
	
http://users.xplornet.com/~rwenig/Home/