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randyT9V9C
in reply to: natemclain

What is your pattern material? Wood, butter board, aluminum?

 

The first foundry pattern I made the foundryman  laughed at how polished it was. Most short run patterns are wood. Sanded and painted is usually good enough. One time I had a pattern maker convert one of my patterns to urethane for better durability... he covered the whole pattern in tape, made a plaster mold, and cast the urethane from that. Looks every bit as good as the original.

 

I normally do my drafts using tapered end mills so I can finish the walls in one or two passes.

 

In your case contain your wall finishing and use a separate operation to finish the flat with a larger step over. Something like this.

 

scallop4.pngscallop3.png