Al; this url shows a lot about making things in aluminum. Not really
exactly on point but very enlightening. I would think a lot of us
rotary types would immediately think of end plates. Think I will
also send this to Paul Lamar again.
http://tinyurl.com/lebcvm
jofarr
Live Free, Abolish Government.

Original message
From: "Al Wick"
Subject: Re: Sand casting


I worked in an aluminum foundry for 8 years. Total blast. So I'm familiar
with the sand cast process, even though we primarily used the permanent
mold method. You really can cast your own aluminum parts at home.
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If your goal is to make a one off psru, or make a prototype, you'd be
hours and lot's of $ ahead by getting some billet material and using
cnc mill. You'd really only want to consider sand casting after you
had proven design with customer orders. Lot's of hours go into prep
for sand casting. Only pays off with certain volume.

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As CNC becomes cheaper and cheaper sand casting cost are going up.

Paul Lamar