Patterns

Cast-iron columns are often ornamented or fluted as shown in the half section of a fluted column in Fig. 268. In all such cases the body of the pattern is made octagonal, as shown by the outline ABCDE. The loose pieces forming the flutes are held to the main body by pins that stand at right angles to the line AE. After the sand has been rammed, the body included in the outline ABCDE may be lifted out, [leaving the parts AabB, BbcC, etc., imbedded in the sand; then, one after another, these latter may be lifted out. These fluted sections should never be so few in number that they cannot be lifted out without tearing the sand. Eight or twelve sections will be needed.

Other forms of ornamentation are put upon columns in a similar manner. Leaves or flowers are held by pins or in grooves in such a way that the main body of the pattern may be lifted out without disturbing them, and they then may be withdrawn from the sand through the cavity left by the main pattern.

Cores

Cores for columns may be made in core boxes as in the case of those for pipe, but where the core is long and straight no core box is needed. The core is usually bui't of loam about an iron pipe, as explained in Foundry Work.

Where the core is to follow the lines of the ornamental moldings on the outside of the column, it may be provided with a special core box or better with a sweep, as shown in Fig. 269. This sweep is used to shape the loam core that is to be built up on an iron pipe. Fig. 269 Is the outline of the template that is to be used in sweeping the core for the interior of the columns shown in Fig. 270.

Follow Boards

All thin patterns that are likely to suffer distortion from the pressure of the sand, while being rammed up, must be provided with accurately fitting follow boards. These follow boards may be made to fit on either one or other of the sides of the pattern.

Follow Boards 500189Follow Boards 500191

When the outlines of the pattern are very irregular, the follow boards are often made of plaster or other composition, which, when dry, is used to support the pattern while the drag is being rammed.

Fig. 271 represents a section of a railing cap. If the pattern B were to be set with the edges a a resting upon the molding board and the sand of the drag rammed down upon its upper face, it would be sprung out of shape. To avoid this the follow board A is made to exactly fit the under side of the pattern. Then when the sand is rammed, the whole pattern is supported and there will be no distortion. When the cope is rammed, the follow board is removed and the sand of the drag supports the pattern while the cope is being rammed.

Follow Board.

Fig. 271. Follow Board.