Snap-flask
Besides the common snap-flask made at most foundries, there are some very excellent devices made for this purpose by the several patentees. One is an adjustable combination wood and metal snap-flask that can be adjusted to a variety of sizes. The wood parts of the flask are the pieces to which the hinge is attached, and also the parts to which the latch is fastened. The steel pieces are the inside lining. The wood and steel pieces are fastened together with bolts, and by means of a long slot the flask can be spread to the desired size. The wood is 3/4-inch cherry, and the steel is 1/8-inch. It is provided with a spring-latch, making it easy to open and close. Similar flasks are made all steel, having the same adjustment. Making them of the latter metal has suggested the round steel snap-flask, which is very light, and requires much less sand than the square one. For all who desire to manufacture their own snap-flasks, trimmings, including latches, hinges, and pins, can be had of infinite variety. Latches are made of malleable iron, with flat, oil-tempered steel spring. When the flask is closed the latch makes a solid locked corner, and it is so placed that by pulling latches together with finger and thumb of one hand, the flask opens freely. Hinges are made with the view of obviating any pinching of sand while closing. Any number of adjustable pins may also be had which can be perfectly fitted in a few moments. See SNAP-MOULDER.
Snap-moulding is bench-moulding; but instead of using the customary iron or wood flasks, the moulder is provided with a "snap-flask," inside of which he rams all his moulds, carrying them to the floor, when completed, one by one, in order for casting. When the snap is removed a flat weight holds it down. A hole in the weight permits the metal to be run down the sprue and pouring all off, independent of the usual surrounding flask. If the sand walls are not able to withstand the pressure exerted when the mould is poured, a light iron band answering to the form of the snap is rammed within it. By this method the moulds are sustained like any other flasked ones, the difference being that the light iron bands are not pinned together. See SNAP-FLASK; BENCH-MOULDER.