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Re: refurbishing a Unimat?
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?I have cast parts in Zamak before. The best source that I found were electrical cabinet flanges for rigid conduit. A mold made from plaster of Paris that has been baked to to moisture is all that is needed. I found chrome "tree with three stainless cups in it that was intended for condiments. It was the perfect height for my propane torch. Broke up the scrap Zamak, melted, a ols sall spoon with holes drill in to skim off the dross. A few large thick steel washers on the top of the plastic mold to hold it down and pour away. Be sure to drill some vent holes along with the pour hole. I used PAM spray cooking oil as a mold release. Pour 1/2 of the plaster into a container, spray PAM on part, push 1/2 way down. let dry, spray PAM again on top of Plaster, and pour top 1/2 of plaster. Separate drill pour and vent holes, simple. ?Jeff
On Friday, May 24, 2024 at 10:48:46 AM EDT, Charles Kinzer <ckinzer@...> wrote:
Being pedantic again, magnesium is generally considered a sufficient percentage (although low) to be considered one of the primary alloy elements of Zamak (zinc, alumininm, copper, magnesium).? Iron is not generally considered one and is instead viewed as a trace as is silicon, lead, cadmium, tin, and nickel. Zamak (or Zamac - both names are used but Zamak is more correct) is just a quality version of pot metal.? Pot metal being a zinc allow with often random and uncontrolled amounts of other things thrown in. Zamak alloys have consistent specifications.? This makes consistent results and if not contaminated, helps prevent "zinc pest."? Many model railroaders are aware of this where, over time, a "Zamak" casting (which might not be from the most reputable alloy source) can crack, crumble, warp, or swell with age.? I haven't heard of this problem with Unimats so they were probably careful where their alloy came from.? (Although it is possible it has happened on bases or accessory parts somewhere and I'm just not aware.) Charles E. "Chuck" Kinzer
On Friday, May 24, 2024 at 07:10:27 AM PDT, Andrei <calciu1@...> wrote:
Zamak has 5 incarnations that I am aware of. They all contain roughly 3-4% aluminum, 1% Copper, traces of Iron and Magnezium and the rest is Zinc.?
If you need Zamak for playing with, find some broken down Cuisinart stand mixers. Their entire body is made of Zamak 5. It melts at about 725F so you can smelt it easily at home.?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Charles Kinzer <ckinzer@...>
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2024 9:59 AM To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Unimat] refurbishing a Unimat? ?
Just to be a bit pedantic, Zamac (and similar) are zinc alloys, not aluminum although there is some.? Roughly 96% zinc, most of the rest aluminum, and a smattering of magnesium and copper.
Charles E. "Chuck" Kinzer
On Friday, May 24, 2024 at 06:35:01 AM PDT, OldToolmaker via groups.io <old_toolmaker@...> wrote:
Joel,
A DB200 is made of cast iron. An SL is made of Zamac (a form of cast aluminum). Both are good machines although I prefer the cast iron DB200 because of its weight. Dick -- http://www.homemadetools.net/ forum/?OFF- SET-tailstock-center-65965#post105972 ?SMALL TURRET TOOL POST PLANS? ?LARGE TURRET TOOL POST PLANS ?MINI- LATHE CARRIAGE LOCK PLANS ?SMALL QC TOOL POST PLANS? ?QUICK CHANGE LATHE TURRET ?MINI LATHE COMPOUND PIVOT MODIFICATION |
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