Please note

Because of the lack of published trowel and masonry tool histories, the information here is based on other sources that may be less reliable and certainly are incomplete. These include eBay and tools that I purchase myself that are the starting points for my research. I will write what I know as I learn it. If what you read here interests you, please check back often and look for revisions and corrections. Scanned catalogs are on Archive.org as pdf files. A few are links to other websites. Your photos and information are welcome. Please click on any picture to enlarge it. Comments are welcome, but any with links will be deleted as possible spam.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Foundry Molding (or Moulding) Trowels

Foundry molding (or moulding) trowels were used in making foundry molds from sand, for casting iron, brass, aluminum, and other metals. The link below shows a variety of foundry molding trowels that have been on the US eBay site. 
eBay Collection Foundry Molding Trowels

"Trowels are of many different styles and sizes to suit the individual taste of the molder and the particular requirements of the job. The trowel is used for making joints and for finishing, smoothing, and slicking the flat surfaces of the mold." Foundry Manual, US Dept. of the Navy, 1958
Foundry Manual, Historic Naval Ships Assoc.
Foundry Practice: A Text Book for Molders, Students and Apprentices
Making Sand Molds
Foundry molding trowel photo collection (unedited, no text)

1 Vent wire for sticking vent holes
2 Pattern lifter
3 Joint trowel for smoothing and finishing the parting and flat surfaces of the mould
4 Heart trowel for smoothing and finishing the parting and flat surfaces of the mould
5 Gate cutter and pattern lifter
6 Slick and oval spoon for finishing mould surfaces
7 & 8 Sand lifters and slicks
9 Yankee heel lifter and flat slick
10 Flange and bead slick
11 Corner slick
12 Edge slick
13 Bound corner slick
14 Pipe slick
15 Button slick
16 Oval Slick
Sand casting, moulding trowels (Youtube)
Historic photos of a working iron foundry in Richmond, Virginia

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.