Mike W1
Active Member
They do drip - sometimes not always. Keep trying to avoid it but so far not 100% success. Couple things I've done over the years minimize the hassle though. When my old 10# died and they went to the 4" clearance built a little riser covered with aluminum. That got me the preferred clearance and the smooth floor lets me slightly shift the mould to ensure I'm hitting center of sprue hole with the stream. The drips that do occur are easily swept into the little removeable catch box below.
Long ago I had a little bolt welded on top of the valve rod to put a handle on instead of grabbing a screw driver every time I needed to give it a twist. Have tried wood knobs and you name it. Finally have what works for me. Scrap aluminum piece with a couple small bolts threaded into the sides. Always have a plastic mallet in hand anyhow so if it drips a touch on the bolt takes care of things.
Have experimented with bending the tip of the valve rod itself but don't feel as though I've found the "sweet spot" for that yet. But that does look promising for another day out in the shop.
Long ago I had a little bolt welded on top of the valve rod to put a handle on instead of grabbing a screw driver every time I needed to give it a twist. Have tried wood knobs and you name it. Finally have what works for me. Scrap aluminum piece with a couple small bolts threaded into the sides. Always have a plastic mallet in hand anyhow so if it drips a touch on the bolt takes care of things.
Have experimented with bending the tip of the valve rod itself but don't feel as though I've found the "sweet spot" for that yet. But that does look promising for another day out in the shop.