After a few talks with my reluctant Dad, .............. Is there anything I need to know before I start?
Kaleb, your Father obviously has his reservations about you carrying out this undertaking into metal casting and probably for good reason. Check out some publications at the library and study the material until you can recite it from memory. DO NOT use clips from the internet and Youtube as subject matter, there is far too much stupidity on there from some real dumb-assed individuals that have gotten lucky in the past and have put there exploits up for the world to see but escaped injury only by shear fate alone. Not all of them are idiotic but there are so few good ones that for a rank amateur beginner, it is hard to tell the good from the bad. Use ALL of the proper safety equipment such as leather boots, safety glasses and full face shields as well as a full leather apron, full length trousers (no shorts) and cuffed gloves. This may seem over the top but if you have ever witnessed the resulting scars let on the ankles and toes of some schlep that was wearing tennis shoes while doing a pour and got splashed, you will understand. I have and still think the fellow to be a moron for having done so. The guy was extremely lucky to not have lost a foot in what did not have to happen. Pattern making is an art unto itself. The patterns require a percentage of oversizing and side tapering in order for them to be removed cleanly from the sand after ramming. You have a great deal to learn but above all, be smart, be careful, and be safe.
BC1
Jim