Base patterns for casting the 4-bolt base for the compound.

Basic patterns for the new compound.
This new compound is slightly wider than the OEM compound and about 1 inch longer. This allows a greater travel for facing and cutting tapers. The dovetail is wider to provide more stability.

Here the patterns are shown with the core prints for molding the dovetails. The dovetails still have to be machined but the cores save a lot of cutting.

Here the core patterns are shown separated from the base and topslide patterns (shown before finishing).

The pattern plate is shown with the patterns mounted on it ready to go to the foundry for casting the intermediate aluminum patterns for mounting four up on plates to be cast in cast iron.

Heavy risers are used to feed the patterns because the pattern sections are heavy. The risers will cool more slowly than the patterns and should feed the patterns until they solidify.

This is one of a set of four aluminum castings just back from the foundry. After they are cleaned up, three of these pieces will be used to make final pattern plates for the cast iron castings for the compound.

4-up pattern plate for casting the base

4-up pattern plate for casting the compound pivot. The core prints are yellow.

4-up pattern plate for casting the compound topslide. Again the core prints are yellow.
Click here to see the raw castings.