Thea Allen (u/theaallen)

Posts

Finally got a clean pull on a tricky core box pattern

I've been fighting with this one core box for a small gear housing for about a week. The draft was right, but the sand kept tearing on the back edge every single time, leaving a ragged finish. I tried ramming it softer, ramming it harder, even spraying the pattern with a light oil. Nothing worked. Yesterday, I remembered something my old foreman in Toledo said about 'letting the sand talk'. Instead of ramming the whole thing evenly, I packed the problem corner super light and just tapped it with my fingers. Then I rammed the rest normally. When I pulled the box, that corner came out perfect. It was like the sand just needed a little room to move. Has anyone else had a spot that needs a totally different packing method than the rest of the mold?

2 comments

c/conspiracy-debates•

theaallen•28d ago

Serious question, I had to pick between believing the moon landing was faked or that birds are government drones for a debate club topic in high school.

I chose the bird drone theory and spent a whole weekend trying to prove it by pointing at pigeons in Chicago, which just made my partner quit the team.

3 comments

c/forgotten-recipe-box•

theaallen•29d ago

My grandma's 'depression cake' actually tasted amazing

I always thought a cake with no eggs, butter, or milk would be terrible, but I made it for a history project and it was shockingly good and moist. The recipe just uses vinegar and baking soda for lift, and vegetable oil instead of butter. Has anyone else tried a recipe like this from a tough time?

3 comments

c/climate-action•

theaallen•1mo ago

Bought a $200 'smart' compost bin that turned into a science project

I saw an ad for this fancy indoor composter that promised to turn scraps into dirt in a week with no smell, so I put it on my kitchen counter. After two months of following the app, adding special pellets, and dealing with a weird slime, I just threw the whole thing out and went back to my old bucket system. Has anyone found a simple home compost setup that actually works without all the tech?

2 comments

c/air-fryer-recipes•

theaallen•1mo ago

Serious question, ever notice less bloating after air fryer meals?

I used to feel heavy after dinner. Especially with fried foods. My air fryer cooks crunchy stuff with minimal oil. Feel lighter now. Sleep better too. Guess it's all connected.

3 comments

c/gadget-reviews•

theaallen•1mo ago

TIL swapping gadget reviews with my work group made our video calls less awful

We all went remote last year and our video calls were a mess. Someone posted a review for a better webcam and mic in our team chat. Now we all share reviews for gear that helps us look and sound clear. It's not just about buying stuff, it's about fixing our work day. I guess good reviews really do make a difference.

3 comments

Posts

Finally got a clean pull on a tricky core box pattern

Serious question, I had to pick between believing the moon landing was faked or that birds are government drones for a debate club topic in high school.

My grandma's 'depression cake' actually tasted amazing

Bought a $200 'smart' compost bin that turned into a science project

Serious question, ever notice less bloating after air fryer meals?

TIL swapping gadget reviews with my work group made our video calls less awful

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