Casting release

[SteveJ]

Do you use a casting release spray for the jig molds?

[WALLEYE WACKER]

If don’t but a lot of people smoke there molds bay using a candle.

[Apdriver]

Yes. Just buy some Frankfort Arsenal mold release and spray your molds. It lasts a lot of pours and will smooth out many problems you may encounter in lead casting. Not only helps as a release agent but also as a pouring agent. Wouldn’t pour without it. Make sure you cover the sprue area, also.

[21xdc]

I use the Frankfort drop out spray, But I think it's the same as any graphite spray. $4 at Home Depot
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Blaster-5-5-oz-Industrial-Graphite-Dry-Lubricant-8-GS/202597501

[t-billy]

Smoke mine with a candle. Cheap. Easy. Works great.

[Danica]

doing it with candle gives a perfect result cheap and long lasting.

[SteveJ]

Interesting responses.
When I posed the same question to Rick Jacobs of Jacobs molds he said not to use anything.

[Mike J]

Cnc cut molds sure shouldn't need anything for a casting release. I only use drop out to help lead flow on some of the busier cavities of my Do-it molds.

[t-billy]

I agree Mike. I smoke my molds to get better lead flow. It's not needed for release in most cases.

[Bucho]

I often use talkum powder for better castings. At the same time I agree with what is said above, it depends on the mold and material. I sometimes use difficult material s.a. antimon alloys in molds that are less than perfect. For instance if you take a close look at the first flutter jig pictured in the do-it mold product describtion, you will find a typical flaw on the eye - and have to give them credit for their honesty!   

I`ve heard good things of frankfort arsenal mold release but can`t get it here in Europe so I will look into other graphite sprays!

[MADA]

Bucho.
I use welding spray because i could not get that mold release either, in Norway.
The welding spray is some sort "anti splatter" stuff.
When i use it i spray on an Q-tip and smear the cavity as i find this easier than clean up the overspray.
Works wonders for me.
Remember to smear the sprue hole too as it makes the alloy flow easier.
Magne

[Kasilofchrisn]

I use the Frankfort drop out spray, But I think it's the same as any graphite spray. $4 at Home Depot
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Blaster-5-5-oz-Industrial-Graphite-Dry-Lubricant-8-GS/202597501

Having tried both I can tell you that Frankford Arsenal's Drop Out is way way better than the home Depot spray.
The home Depot spray comes out much faster and thinner and it cures slower leaving runs of graphite in the mold.
I'll stick with drop out myself.
I use it on all my molds including all my (20+) CNC molds.
Some of my CNC molds just work better with the drop out.
I've never smoked a mold and never will.
Drop out just works too good for me to try anything else.

Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

[Apdriver]

^^^^^After having tried candlesmoke and Frankfort Arsenal both, Frankfort is way, way, better.^^^^

[Mike J]

^^^^^After having tried candlesmoke and Frankfort Arsenal both, Frankfort is way, way, better.^^^^

Not even close. I hate the candle smoke. Drop out is the way to go!