Here's what I want to do...

[latzanimal]

Thanks Dave for the explanation....

I am still looking for a 15 hp motor to make a rotary phase converter. I could easily have one for $500, but am being cheap and trying to find one closer and cheaper. I'm afraid to run a static converter on this with the motor being 70+ years old... Life has also gotten in the way, other projects, etc. But it will need to be taken care of sooner than later as I have drums to turn....

[dallen]

put a VFD on it and just run it and 100 percent speed, most of the ones today that will hook to single phase power can be set up as a static phase converter.

[latzanimal]

The lowest VFD I've found so far is $550+. Even if I spend $250 on a motor, its still only going to cost me $450 to set up a Rotary Phase Converter...

[latzanimal]

So I've been thinking and wondering, in the video, the cast is pretty thick. .75" or more. With it being so thick, does it make it an easier pour? Does the thicker parts keep the metal hot making it easier to fill the mold? I wonder how big the channels/runners/gates are...

[Jammer]

The thicker it is, the easier to pour but the more metal you need. I've been trying to think of a way to cast a 3/8" thick shell with a heated mold or, at least a heated core in the center. Two furnaces with 20# charges of brass in each should be enough. Little more calculation required.

[latzanimal]

Jammer, more metal shouldn't be a problem. There are tons of broken cymbals out there....

[Jammer]

It's not finding the metal, it's being able to melt and pour enough. I think cymbals are Bell Bronze Copper/Tin with no lead, it would deaden the sound. I've been meaning to ask some local drummers if they had any broken cymbals.

[latzanimal]

Here's a pic of Ocheltree's casting. Looks to be around .5" thick with a larger portion at one end....