Thurs. 9-25-08 Squerl's first Bronze/ Aluminum Pour

Wow! If you ever want to see something cool check out the SJSU Foundry. I saw my first "pour" today! The helpers form a team of five and suit up in silver heat impervious gear topped off with Leather gloves and jackets, hard hats, and face Shields- all safety essentials. They look like they're ready for a moon walk! The metal, (usually aluminum or bronze,) has been melted down in a super heat resistant ceramic container called a crucible and is sunk into a hole in the floor awaiting the head man's signal. Two men man the boom and the other overhead apparatus that come down from the ceiling like a giant engine hoist to lift the heavy crucible and it's white hot molten contents. All the team members must work together in unison to maneuver the crucible into the right position for pouring into the investment molds which are made ahead from wax models, surrounded by stucco wire tar paper plaster and sand. The team must flow in a smooth, steady way to ensure a good pour of molten metal into each mold. Sounds pretty do-able you say? Well don't forget that everything weighs about a ton, and is about a bazillion degrees! The molten aluminum looks just like mercury as it is poured into the molds- it's the coolest thing ever! I wanted to stay for the second, bronze pour but i had to make traxx to another class. I can't wait for my turn! I don't think I need to tell you, don't try this at home! Squerl