softwood

[mrgrimsdale]

I've got to turn some 10x2" pattress plates for casting in iron something like these below, probably with a star or a flower in relief, carved out (more hacking than carving). I've got a load of softwood joist ends to practice on. Will softwood do or should I buy in something better? They are only for patterns, not the finished object. Anybody made patterns for casting? Any tips?

[modernist]

Maybe lime or beech. I think pine is too coarse grained for patterns.

[OryxDesign]

As patterns get painted I would guess you could probably use mdf. I did some sand casting at college and I think we used Lime.

[nickw]

The books I have both suggest Yelow Pine as the first choice. Obechi (?) comes next.

[modernist]

A lot of fine patternmaking was done in mahogany or similar where sharp corners and clean edges were required but as long as it has even grain most things will do.

[tusses]

have a word with the casting people, they will tel you what sharp edges they can keep, and what angles they can cope with. They'll also know what wood their customers use

[Andys Woodshed]

and don't forget draw angle and contraction allowance