Explosions in Molding

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We notice in one of our cotemporaries that while George Keyser was recently pouring some melted composition metal into journal boxes, at North Adams, Mass, an explosion occurred causing the molten metal to fly out in all directions, and some of it into his face, slightly injuring his eyes The accident is attributed to some moisture having gathered in the cavity which was to receive the molten metal This, we think, was the true cause of the explosion, as we have known like accidents occurring from similar causes; and we notice this one to give a word of advice Before metal is run into a mold it should be clearly ascertained that there is no water in it, because a very minute quantity is liable to cause an explosion when the molten metal comes in contact with it In molding such simple things as rifle bullets, several persons have had their eyes permanently injured by neglecting this precaution In the act of molding bullets it is not unusual to dip the mold into cold water, to cool it, and if not dried when the metal is again poured in, an explosion will certainly occur, and the lead, in all likelihood, will be thrown into the face of the molder "A word to the wise is sufficient"

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