Metal forming question
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 9:53 pm
I have some deeply compound-curved skins to form, and have come to the conclusion that a concrete female mold will be best. Tried it freehand; the results were not up to what I wanted to see.
So, a question - what strength of concrete would work the best, and what kind of reinforcement? I'm assuming chicken wire would probably be adequate? How much cover over the reinforcement? Should the working surface of the form be coated in epoxy?
The material is 063 2024T0 (it'll be HT'd to T4 after forming), and I'm assuming that I'll be hand-hammering, though I might use a planishing hammer if my arms get too tired. This will likely be used for one or two skins, but if there's demand I'd like to make the form durable enough for further use.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts and replies.
So, a question - what strength of concrete would work the best, and what kind of reinforcement? I'm assuming chicken wire would probably be adequate? How much cover over the reinforcement? Should the working surface of the form be coated in epoxy?
The material is 063 2024T0 (it'll be HT'd to T4 after forming), and I'm assuming that I'll be hand-hammering, though I might use a planishing hammer if my arms get too tired. This will likely be used for one or two skins, but if there's demand I'd like to make the form durable enough for further use.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts and replies.