- Joined
- Mar 13, 2012
- Messages
- 583
- Reaction score
- 62
This question will probably provoke as many different responses as there are readers, but I'd like some opinions of finishing methods for cast parts.
I am getting close to starting the finishing steps on my PMR#1, and have been looking at a lot of the finished engines that you all have posted pics of. This has caused a major reversal in the way I was going to approach the process.
Way back when I did my #3, I left all non-machined surfaces as cast. The brass parts stayed brass, and all other non-machined surfaces received a carefully applied coat of paint. I was very disappointed in the results. It looked like a cheap toy rather than a model. I didn't want the same results this time.
Looking back on it, and some of your engines, I think I understand why. The the texture of the cast surface isn't to scale. It is just too rough for the size of the parts.
So, how many of your are smoothing the surfaces of your cast iron parts before paint? I assume some sort of body filler and/or high-build primer are in order?
What about the cast bronze parts? how on earth do you file/sand these smooth so they don't look wavy after they are polished?
I'd love to see pics of the processes and results.
Thanks!
I am getting close to starting the finishing steps on my PMR#1, and have been looking at a lot of the finished engines that you all have posted pics of. This has caused a major reversal in the way I was going to approach the process.
Way back when I did my #3, I left all non-machined surfaces as cast. The brass parts stayed brass, and all other non-machined surfaces received a carefully applied coat of paint. I was very disappointed in the results. It looked like a cheap toy rather than a model. I didn't want the same results this time.
Looking back on it, and some of your engines, I think I understand why. The the texture of the cast surface isn't to scale. It is just too rough for the size of the parts.
So, how many of your are smoothing the surfaces of your cast iron parts before paint? I assume some sort of body filler and/or high-build primer are in order?
What about the cast bronze parts? how on earth do you file/sand these smooth so they don't look wavy after they are polished?
I'd love to see pics of the processes and results.
Thanks!