An idea: A LEGO Casting Clamshell

[ChemicalRobot]

So I was thinking that maybe I could build a casting clamshell out of LEGO. Here's what I've come up with. I still need to get some casting clay to fill it with, and it looks pretty crummy right now since I threw it together so quickly. Basically all you need is thin lego pieces, clay (childhood points if you use play-doh), and super glue to hold it together. It's thicker than it looks in the pictures.

DSC00667.JPG

DSC00668.JPG

DSC00664.JPG

I used those joint blocks in the back so it can swing open and closed, and the inside are the smooth-topped pieces except for at the end so it will close smooth and straight.

Not sure how well it'll actually work, but I'm having fun with the idea. Customizing it could be fun, and hell, it's LEGO!

[MBI]

Awesome. I love LEGO.

[Dopug]

Lol;s what a good use for lego, will be cool if it works

[chris]

Awesome idea, let us know how it turns out.

[macgng]

awesome idea! i need some casting clay too and some medium for the casting.

[LocksmithArmy]

so coo! great work

[ChemicalRobot]

Tested it out more fully today. Used Crayola (lol) modeling clay and solder. Tried to cast an ASSA Twin key.

DSC00672.JPG

DSC00674.JPG

DSC00675.JPG

DSC00678.JPG

[KokomoLock]

Awesome homebrew clsmshell!!! Don't get any better than legos and Crayola clay. Key looks good also, clean it up and I bet it works!!!

[Laporte]

That is so cool!

Bonus points for creativity.

Does the key work?

[macgng]

yo what did you use for the casting metal? got pix

[ChemicalRobot]

yo what did you use for the casting metal? got pix

I just used some old solder that I had. I need to get some real casting metal still. Been looking for Field's Metal but it's hard to find, and seems to be super expensive. I'll probably try bismuth.

[barbarian]

Google "low temp alloy"

http://www.boltonmetalproducts.com/Home_Page.html

[macgng]

ehhhh... thats got LEAD in it & it EXPANDS when it solidifies. :-/

Google "low temp alloy"

http://www.boltonmetalproducts.com/Home_Page.html

[ChemicalRobot]

ehhhh... thats got LEAD in it & it EXPANDS when it solidifies. :-/

Google "low temp alloy"

http://www.boltonmetalproducts.com/Home_Page.html

I suppose I'll just wait until I get my casting resin, and see how that turns out. Someone also mentioned that cerrosafe might work well.

[macgng]

the casting resin should work. i checked it out at the store last weekend. not sure how well it will work, but its like 21$ a bottle. i didnt wanna buy a big bottle just to try it out.