Before taking up the making of molds, let us consider briefly the materials used, where they are obtained, and what is their particular service in the mold. Also we shall describe the principal tools used by the molder in working up these materials into molds.

Classes

There are three general classes of materials for molding kept in stock in the foundry, as tabulated herewith:

Molding Materials

Sands

Facings

Miscellaneous

Molding sands

Graphite

Fire clay

Light

Charcoal

Parting dust

Medium

Sea coal

Burnt sand

Strong

Charcoal

Free sands

Partainol

Sharp or Fire

Core binders

Beach sand