Here are two pictures of my first attempt at a bell. I made a form from plexi-glass and mounted it on a 1/2 inch piece of round stock to form the pattern. Click here for example I poured this using aluminum because I was just trying to make a pattern. It turned out to be a short pour...and bigger than I wanted (It is about 10", 25cm) ....So I will try again....and I will take pictures to show everyone the process.
I decided this bell is too big so I smoothed out the inside and rammed it with sand to make a core. Then, I rammed the core, lifted off the cope and cut approximately 1/4 inch off the core and smoothed it off. Then I put the cope back on and poured. Below is the result of that pour. I sanded it, sprayed it with sandable primer and then finished it off with laquer so it has a smooth finish. This will be my pattern for future bells.
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Update 12-13-2007
Here is another bell I am trying to cast. It is much smaller and I am pouring pewter into K-bond sand. As you can see, I got a major defect. I am thinking that I need to run a torch over the sand that makes up the inner part so that it doesn't let gas out and create this problem. Anyone else have an idea of what caused this? I was also thinking that I could pour it hotter or give it a longer sprue for more pressure.
OK here is the next pour. I ditched the bottom pour and poured with a pop sprue. (I think that's what it's called) I put in some rather large scratch vents which filled completely making me think they probably weren't necessary. I also dug down into the drag about an inch to try to get more pressure on the mold.
Update 12-17-2007
Drag with scratch vents.
Cope
Cope after pour...you can see the scratch vents filled up.
