C-clamp for Metal Casting

Description

This model is for making a sand mold to cast a C-clamp. I realized a clamp would be a simple metal casting project that would actually be useful. Because it is symmetrical with a 5 degree draft, a two-piece greensand mold should work well. It is sized for a clamp with 6" between jaws, and 4" of reach. But, the model can be scaled to meet your needs. As is, the model volume is approximately 19.5 cubic inches (9.75 in3 per half). Remember, if you scale, to cube the length scaling factor to get the volume scaling factor. The clamp will require some post processing. The jaw face will need to be filed flat, and the moving jaw and threaded rod/acme screw are not included. The threaded hole is not modeled in--this allows one to use any threaded rod and tap on hand. Besides, it would be difficult to cast that hole in place due to its location. Just do your best to align the hole with the center of the other jaw. I'm including files for the clamp both as a half (to be mirrored) and quarters, since my 3D printer isn't big enough to print the halves of the clamp. But maybe yours is. Photos include a full size model (printer in quarters) and a 2/3-size version that I printed. However, I wouldn't recommend going any smaller than this since the central webs will become too thin to flow metal into. Some other casting ideas: [creation model-18th-century-naval-cannon-for-metal-casting] [creation sand-mold-system-for-casting-belt-buckles-in-metal]