I am in dire need of help.
I have been having problems with my Neycraft caster.The crucible
with the molten metal slides forward away from the the heated flask
which then falls out of the cradle. This happens during the time I am
melting the silver, and just when I am about to start the rotation.
When we insert the flask, we make sure it is in the correct slot in
the flask receiver assembly, and that the crucible is firmly pressed
against the flask.There is no mechanism to lock them together. When
we are sure that the crucible and flask are firmly together I start
the melt.
However, midway, or toward the end of the melt, the flask and
crucible separate. Sometimes this happens when I am using the
graphite rod to stir some unmelted grains into the puddle of molten
metal. The slightest, gentlest nudge of the graphite rod in the
silver results in the crucible and flask separating, the crucible
moving forward, and the flask falling out of the cradle. I am very
careful not to nudge the crucible–just the silver–stirring only the
melt and not touching the crucible. Sometimes it just happens
spontaneously. fortunately I am working with a casting buddy and
between us we manage to get things back into alignment.
We set the caster up according to the directions, and sometimes we do
not have a problem, but all too often, we do, and have to stop midway
to make adjustments, meanwhile our silver is freezing into a solid
glob. What is frustrating is that this happens just as things are
almost ready for us to start the caster rotating.
We are using commercial stainless steel flasks, some of which came
with the caster, and others that we purchased and which are sizes
recommended by Neycraft. Also, we make sure that the machine is
balanced correctly for the sizes of the flasks. So that does not seem
to be the problem.
I tried to diagnose the problem today, using an empty (cold) flask,
and to my disappointment, the crucible would not stay firmly against
the flask, but kept sliding forward. What is going on? How can I
correct this. I have a lot of casting to get done, and just don’t
want the frustration of dealing with an obstinate centrifuge, and
certainly don’t want to run the risk of a runaway flask during the
rotation.
Neycraft does not have a website, and there is no on my
manual as to how I can get in touch with them–no phone number or
address. Does anyone have any as to how I can contact
them?
Thanks for your help
Alma