Snipping the sprue

[Homesteader]

What do you use to cut the sprue from a round ball if you cast it in a mold without a snipper built into it? Also, just how close a cut do you think is necessary for use in a smoothie? (Or a rifle, for that matter...)

As always, thanks for any info.

 

[bingo1952]

I run around it with a knife blade flush/tangent to the ball proper a couple of times and then twist it off. This leaves no nib to worry about.

 

[Many Klatch]

A good pair of sidecuts work for me. If it looks too ragged I'll trim it with a knife.

Many Klatch

 

[Cutfingers]

Being retired and having lots of excess time I use side cutters and then a Dremel sanding wheel to smooth it out.

 

[mazo kid]

Seeeee? There you have three different methods and they all work! If the ball is large, you can use the diagonal cutters upside down to snip the sprue, otherwise use it straight up, or any other cutter such as pruning shears, scissors, side cutters, etc.

 

[paulvallandigham]

You can also put the balls with sprues in place into a case tumbler, or case vibrator, without the grit used for casings, and let the balls round out the sprues by banging against each other. Tumbling also SEEMS to compress the balls some, and remove tiny air bubbles. The might dimples left on the balls form tumbling or vibrating, also seem to help them fly better- like the dimples on golf balls.

 

[Homesteader]

Thank you all, gentlemen. I always know I can get the answers here!
:thumbsup:

 

[BrownBear]

Late for the party, but story of my life.

Here's what I do. If you're not worried about cutting flush with the ball, why dump the ball from the mould before cutting the sprue? You have to wait for them to cool and they're awkward to handle. Lots of finger cuts too, if you're using a knife.

I just keep a knife handy while I'm casting, then swipe off each sprue before opening the mould. Real easy having those long handles to hold the ball and kinda nice to just drop the excess back into the pot while you're still casting.

 

[Smoke_Ring]

I used to use a pair of end cutters going half way through then turning 90degrees and finishing. Then one day I was working on them and right beside me was the toe nail clippers for the dog. I thought what the heck and gave them a try. They worked great, now me and the dog each have our own set.

 

[B.Habermehl]

Heavy duty toenail clippers, the kind that look like diagonal cutting pliers. They cut nice clean, and flush. BJH

 

[Gus]

I just keep a knife handy while I'm casting, then swipe off each sprue before opening the mould.

Great idea. I'll have to try that on my .69's! :thumbsup: