Molder, Sweep Job Description:

Makes molds, using sweep method which is adaptable only in cases where required casting is symmetrical: Assembles drag, flask, bottom plate, and spindle (projects through center of flask). Shovel sand into flask, and compacts it by hand ramming. Attaches sweep (board with bottom edge cut to shape corresponding to casting surface) and rotates it about spindle, until mold impression (usually convex) is swept (scraped) to desired shape. Places cope flask on drag, and shovels and compacts sand over drag mold which serves as pattern for cope mold. Removes cope mold. Scrapes drag mold with smaller sweep to reduce size of mold. Smooths and shapes mold surface, using slick and trowel. Assembles mold sections for pouring. When making parts of large floor or pit mold, usually rectangular in shape, with sides parallel and same impressions running full length of part of mold, draws sweep back and forth along guides to scrape out desired impressions.