which ornaments-such as moldings, flutings, and the like-are often ready to hand, to complete the column pat

tern. These blocks are, for

small columns, made solid; but for large columns they are constructed like boxes or troughs, with pieces filled in at short distances to give strength. (See Fig. 172.) Fig. 171 is a perspective view of a block, mounted with moldings and other ornamentation, so as to form a column pattern ready to go into the sand. The base, B, and its moldings, a and b, are to be cast solid with the shaft of the column; this, however as may be inferred from what has been saidis not compulsory. It will be seen that the base forms a guide for the stopping-off blocks, A A, at that end; at the other end of the column the guides, C C, are attached. The distance between the stopping-off blocks, A A, is of course the length of the column, plus shrinkage and plus the amount left for cutting off to square up the ends of the cast column. The wires shown are for the purpose of holding the ornaments

Fig.17.

are held by loose pegs, except the cabling, D, and the paneling, E, which are made fast on the face by nails or

screws.

Let it be required to prepare a pattern for a column 12 feet long, of 12 inches face, and 14 inches deep, to be of the style shown in Fig. 171. Select a block similar to that shown in Fig. 172, in which the top piece is shown removed, so that the distance pieces may be seen.

Fig.172.

We will suppose our column to require mounting on the face and one side; then inch or inch will be taken up on the face and side by the margins, E, which form, with their moldings, the paneling: therefore, if inch margins are used, the block should measure 11 by 13 inches, and less if margins are employed. The length of the block is immaterial, so that it be not less than 20 inches longer than the column. This excess is for core prints at the ends of the pattern. Lay off upon the block the length of the column pattern; this will be 12 feet +1 inch for shrinkage + or inch at each end for squaring up. Space off upon the block the position of the various members, and Fig.173. apply them as directed. It must be noted that the moldings and base pieces on the face overrun those upon the side, and also extend according to their contour over the side that is not mounted (see Figs. 171 and 173). The reason of this is that by removing these face moldings and base pieces, except the cabling and paneling (which are fast), the molder can make a bevel parting. When the parting

Block

is made, the pieces are then replaced, and will be taken up again by the cope. A rectangular column is invariably molded with the face up, because of the facility such a position gives for supporting the main core by means of the cores which make the openings always formed at the back of these columns.

For stopping off the column to the right length, we simply prepare four pieces, as shown at A, Fig. 171, of a length equal to the depth of the column at the ends, not including the base piece, as that will be stopped off in the cope. In ramming up the column, when in the sand, these pieces are bedded in, in the position shown. Some provision is necessary to prevent them from being rammed out of the perpendicular. This is provided in this case by the base pieces, B; but at the other end of the column temporary strips are bradded to the block, as shown at C. To find the place for these guiding strips, add to the length of the column pattern the thickness of the stoppingoff piece, square a line at this point down each side of the block, and nail on the guides outside this line, but with one edge touching it. Columns are often cast without bases or caps-these latter being cast thin, and attached by screws after the columns are set up.

It

The ornamentation of columns is varied constantly, depending upon the taste of individuals; therefore, it is impossible to lay down precise directions in this matter. is thought, however, that the above remarks will be of service; and I may add that, in place of cabling, fluting is often employed. This is never to be cut out of the block, but formed in extra pieces. The cabling on the side is made by fastening the strips to a piece of board, and this is attached to the block by wires. Fig. 174 shows this

Fig.174.

arrangement. Baked or dry sand is not used for the main core of square columns, and we proceed to describe

the method of making the green sand core now invariably adopted. Fig. 175 shows a sort of universal core bore, employed for making these cores. A is a cast iron plate, laid upon the floor of the foundry, generally in close prox'imity to the mold; upon this are set up two stout boards, B, about two inches thick. These boards are adjustable, so as to take in any breadth of face, by the brackets, D, moving along slots in the plate. Nipping screws in the brackets admit of the boards being pressed together on the end pieces, which must be changed for every width of

Fig.175.

column; the height of the core is regulated by means of the strike, E. On account of the exceedingly fragile nature of a green sand core, it is necessary to imbed within it a strong bar of cast iron, called a core bar, such as is represented at F, Fig. 175. It consists of a strong center bar with pieces cast solid with it, ranged on each side, called wings; the bar itself is made to taper off to a narrow ridge towards the under part, as also are the wings which' taper at the edges. The sand, being rammed between these wings, is able not only to sustain itself, but also a

small portion extending beyond them—namely, to the correct outline of the core. The bar is generally from half an inch to one inch smaller than the core, as will be seen in the sectional end view, Fig. 177. A notcb is cut out of Fig.176.

Fig.177.

T

each wing, to admit of the insertion of a perforated tube on each side, for ventilation. The core bar, F, and the perforated tubes, G G, are shown in Fig. 175, imbedded in the core.

As there are not any core prints required to form the openings at the back of the column, the cores for these openings are made in a box not thicker than the intended thickness of metal in the column. Such a box is shown in Fig. 178; though for the sake of cheapness, when the columns are not more than half an inch thick, the core box is sawn out of one piece.

Fig.178.

Fig.179.

Fig. 179 is an end view of the core box, with core, shown in Fig. 175, but with the addition of the wooden binder, which serves to assist the brackets in holding the