A Beginners Question

[Emma56]

:) A beginners question I have built my keel mould, And I want to measure the volume of the mould . If I make a container of one cubic foot, And used sand to fill it. Then filled the mould with the measured sand. Could I proof volume of the mould? The lead I have is a mix of recycled wheel weights and a old fin type keel

[Stiletto]

I think that would work as long as the sand was poured in without tamping down. Make sure the sand is dry.

[bott]

sure.

or you could fill it with water and weigh it if its not too big.
I'm sure you can find a better conversion online with a quick google search, but a simple number is a pint is a pound (or, by definition, an cubic centimeter of fresh water is a gram).

[Lewisboats]

You wouldn't to use water...when you pour the lead any remaining water or moisture is going to cause explosive type problems as it instantly transforms from liquid into vapor and blows its way out of the lead...taking some of the molten lead with it. Use a dry measure of somethiing.

[brad9798]

... or just allow sufficient time for drying out before pouring lead ...

[Cullen T.M. McGough]

eh... do you really need to? It seems like a few measurements and back-of-the-envelope math will get you the approximate volume quicker than shuffling sand around will...

I have yet to see the wooden boat that didn't need some post-launching trim adjustment. (ie. loose pigs stuffed into the bilge, either fore or aft of the balance point.)

But don't mind me. I always felt 80% perfect in a 100% complete boat is better than 100% perfect in the-boat-that-never-leaves-the-garage.

Messers Alden and Herreshoft may beg to differ.

[mariner2k]

I used a plywood mould for mine and figured the volume using water. I forgot the figure, but it's x cubic ft per gallon. I used a five gallon container. I had to convert from cast iron to lead. I let it dry first and had no problem with hot lead (10,000 lbs.). I buried it in sand so it would keep it's shape. Ten years later it's still on the boat.