PSA: Tried a new sand mix for a big gear pattern and it totally slumped on me

We had this big gear pattern, about 24 inches across, for a replacement part at the mill. The boss wanted to try a new sand mix from a different supplier to save a few bucks, said it had 'superior green strength'. Mixed it up exactly like the bag said, rammed it up solid, everything felt fine. Pulled the pattern and the whole top half of the cope just slumped in like a sad cake. Lost the whole mold and had to start over, which set us back a full day. Learned real quick that 'superior' on the bag doesn't mean squat if it doesn't hold your specific shape. Now I'm back to my old reliable sand, even if it costs a bit more. Anyone else have a new product totally fail on a critical job like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

wyatt1074d ago

Superior green strength just means it's really good at turning into a puddle! That's the kind of supplier promise that only works on paper. Nothing beats the old stuff that you know won't quit on you.

bailey.sandra4d ago

It's like they're selling you a promise that melts in the rain.