2. What it looks like currently…….
What it’s supposed to look like….

4.  Not as intensive as Investment Casting
 Only need one
 Good for larger pieces like the steering wheel
 Didn’t want to machine a pattern or use silicon
 Part does not require a lot of detail or intricacy
 The original wheel is die cast aluminum

6. This is the most labor intensive step for me.
 What material should it be made from?
 How will I form it?
 Can I use it for casting?
 How much will it cost?

7. Advantages –
 Best detail
 Sturdy
 Easy. Just send over the .STL files.
Problems –
 $$$$$$
 Time (they take a while)

8. Really?
I could buy
the whole
tractor for
that!!!

9. Be Careful When Selecting Desktop 3D Printers!
Warped print bed and wobbly supports lead to
poor fill patterns and oblong holes.

10. Advantages –
 Cheap ($8.99/box)
 Easily formed
 No tools
 Quick
 New to me
Potential Problems –
 Weak
 Takes 24 hours to dry
 Getting both halves to match
 Messy!

12.  Didn’t account for shrinkage
 The lower surface warped (no mate
possible)
 Cracked easily when prepping
“Like a
Frightened
Turtle!”

13. Advantages –
 Easy to match up halves
 No shrinkage
 Cheap
 Sturdy
Potential Issues –
 Harder to shape
 Requires tools
 Takes more time
 Can’t add the John Deere Logo
 Big mess in my garage

14.  Form pattern using a drill, jig saw,
router, and random orbital sander

15.  Insert Alignment
Pins

16.  Use the finished MDF pattern to
make a sand mold

17.  Pour in aluminum (13000 F)
The three outer holes serve as risers that help keep weld lines from
forming as the aluminum cools and prevent shrinkage deformations.

18.  Remove part from sand and cut off sprue

19.  Clean up flash caused by poor sand
packing and remove remaining
evidence of sprue.

20.  The power of “economy of scale” for saving
money
 To tamp the sand better
 To give myself extra time for when plans don’t
work the first time.
 That just because it looks good on paper,
doesn’t mean it is good.