Well, the replacement DRO arrived and has been fitted so milling can continue

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Today I cast the walking beam in a zinc alloy but I wish I had used Brass. This unknown zinc alloy has terrible shrinkage on thick sections and I should have known better really. The part would have been more successful I am sure if I had put the holes in which are on the finished part. This would have given a more uniform section.
However it was encouraging the mould filled being long and slender. I could possible repair the casting but I may re-cast.
The cylinder pattern was prepped and secured into an old food can. The pattern has to be prevented from floating up when the plaster is poured, hence the lolly stick glued to it and the can.
This is currently cooling down from burn-out.
I hasten to add that once the plaster is set it is vital to drill holes in the can base to prevent any pressure build up. First time I forgot, the can pushed out like a pneumatic ram and wedged itself across the kiln walls!