Rio Grande V.I.C. 9 User manual

V.I.C.™9 Tabletop Casting Machine
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new V.I.C. 9! This convenient tabletop vacuum investing and casting system will
provide you with top-quality, reliable casting capabilities for many years, given reasonable care and routine maintenance.
To assure safe operation and to maximize its benefits, read this manual completely before operating your V.I.C. 9.
Vacuum casting is an efficient, flexible method of casting. With V.I.C. 9, you can cast both small and large parts and cast any
size flask interchangeably. Vacuum casting with your V.I.C. 9 is safer than centrifugal casting and provides excellent results,
allowing fewer gas inclusions and less shrinkage porosity.
800.545.6566 www.riogrande.com
for Solid Flasks 110-volt model 705-107
220-volt model 705-107/220
Side-draw
bell Jar
Hose
Investing
table
Front-lift, easy-
open cabinet
Casting pad
Toggle
cast/invest
switch
Toggle
power
control
Non-slip
rubber feet
Vacuum pad
Easy-to-read
vacuum gauge

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Shipping List
Your V.I.C. 9 is shipped in two cartons:
Carton 1 contains:
• V.I.C. 9 machine cabinet with pre-installed vacuum pump
• Vacuum table pad
• Casting table pad
• One pint of vacuum oil
Carton 2 contains:
• Bell jar
Installation & Setup
1. Unpack machine and check carton contents against the
shipping list at left.
2. Place V.I.C. 9 cabinet on a sturdy, level work surface.
3. Open cabinet and add vacuum oil until oil level reaches
the full mark on the vacuum sight gauge on the front
of the cabinet. Do not overfill oil! Your first pint of Rio
vacuum oil is included.
4. Close cabinet.
5. Attach bell jar hose at the back of the V.I.C. 9 cabinet
and to the side of the bell jar. Tighten the hose clamps
onto the fittings with a standard screwdriver.
6. Place the investing table vacuum pad and bell jar on
the larger investing table platform. Place the casting
table pad on the smaller casting table platform.
7. Plug your V.I.C. 9 casting machine into a grounded
110/115-volt AC outlet.
Please Note: Your V.I.C. 9 cabinet has pre-drilled mounts
to accommodate The Assistant™ (see page 8), a convenient
crucible holder that allows you to melt metal in place and
pour it in perfect alignment with your flask. The Assistant
virtually eliminates the risk of spilling molten metal on
the way to the flask! The Assistant is not included with
your V.I.C. 9 machine, but it can be easily installed into
the pre-drilled mounts if purchased separately.
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V.I.C™9 Tabletop Casting Machine
Machine Features
• Easy-open, front-lift cabinet gives full access to all
routine maintenance.
• Spring-mounted investing table enhances air bubble
elimination.
• High-heat polyurethane hoses throughout the
machine provide maximum protection from flask
blowout damage.
• Side-draw bell jar holds more flasks and protects
vacuum pump from moisture and investment debris.
• 6"high-heat cast pad.
• Vacuum pad on top of investing table ensures a
proper seal.
• Easy-to-use toggle switch allows easy change from
investing to casting and back.
• Powerful 5cfm vacuum pump (115V; 60Hz).
• Easy-access oil sight gauge on pump.
• Easy-to-use top-access oil fill port and bottom drain
port.
• The Assistant™ crucible holder (optional) accurately
controls metal-pouring to make casting easier and
safer.

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V.I.C™9 Tabletop Casting Machine
General Safety Precautions
Investing and casting are processes that require
forethought and precautions. Planning for every step
of the investing and casting processes in your shop is a
responsibility you owe to yourself and your co-workers.
Safety precautions and protective attire are a must
for investing, melting and casting.
• Wear protective clothing and eyewear when investing
and casting. Proper safety precautions should always be
taken.
• Molten metal will cause severe burns and can start fires.
Make sure no flammable materials are near the casting
area.
• Plan a place to put the hot flask after casting where you
nor anyone else can accidentally come in contact with it.
Remember, flasks with temperatures of several hundred
degrees look the same as cold flasks.
• If you have a helper, plan the actions both of you will
take during your casting process before you begin.
• Keep close watch on the torch flame. It can burn
something or someone from quite a distance. Take care
not to melt your bell jar. If you do, replace it right away.
The bell jar is not safe if it has been cracked, scratched or
damaged by a torch flame or molten metal.
• Never push on the top of the bell jar while it is under
vacuum. When a bell jar breaks, it first implodes and
then explodes, sending sharp pieces of shattered plastic
around the room. To ensure a good seal, check to make
sure the pad under the bell jar is clean and free of dirt
or debris, then gently press the rim of the bell jar
securely against the rubber investing pad when vacuum
is first applied.
•WARNING:Investment powder contains free silica. Inhal-
ing silica is dangerous and may cause progressive, irrevers-
ible lung injury over time. Always wear a respirator appropri-
ate for use with investment when investing and quenching
flasks, and completely clean up investment from your work
area. Wear an OSHA approved respirator during investing
processes and work in a well-ventilated space with a draft
that pulls air away from you when handling investment pow-
der. Never use a vacuum cleaner unless it is designed to pick
up respirable silica (particles as fine as 5 microns).
Please read, understand and follow all of the safety
recommendations offered on the MSDS available with your
investment product.
Please Note:Visit riogrande.com or see your Rio Grande Tools
& Equipment catalog for all the proper safety accessories—
including eyewear, gloves, aprons, masks, and respirators
recommended •for investing, metal-melting and casting, as
well as safety equipment for your entire shop.
Investing
CAUTION: Always test the vacuum seal between the jar
and pad before mixing investment. To test the vacuum
seal, moisten the underside of the bell jar rim with a clean
sponge. Place the bell jar over the vacuum table and rubber
vacuum pad. If needed, apply slight pressure around the
rim of the jar. Never apply pressure to the top of the bell jar.
NEVER push down on the top of the bell jar under vacuum.
This can cause the bell jar to break and implode.
Preparation
Prepare flasks to be invested. For consistent casting results,
use Wax Web™ (see page 8) in every flask.
Using Wax Web™
Wax Web is a clean-burning wax mesh that increases the
efficiency of vacuum casting. Because Wax Web creates a
network of gas evacuation channels around the inside of
your flask, it directs the power of the vacuum equally
around the perimeter of the mold. It’s simple to use!
1. Roll the Wax Web sheet into a cylinder and position it
flush with the inside top of the flask. Wax Web should
not extend more than 70%–80% along the inside of
the flask. Trim it if necessary.
2. Secure Wax Web in place with bobby pins or melt it
to the flask at several points with a heated wax tool.
3. As you build your sprue tree, always allow at least 1/2"
of space between the top of the wax patterns and the
level of investment in the flask (perhaps more for large
or heavy items). Please Note: Because a 1/8"gap should
always be left between the investment level and the
top lip of the flask for a good seal when casting, the top
of your sprue tree should never be closer than 5/8"to
the top of the flask. This precaution, along with strictly
controlled investing procedures, will help prevent flask
blowouts.

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V.I.C™9 Tabletop Casting Machine
Investing Procedure
1. Measure investment and water according to the
manufacturer’s instructions included in your investment.
2. Place the pre-measured water into your mixing bowl.
3. Add pre-weighed investment.
4. Stir for 5 minutes to blend water and powder to the
consistency appropriate for your particular type of
investment.
5. When mixing is complete, place the bowl of investment
on the investing platform. Position the bell jar squarely
over the bowl, move toggle switch to the invest position,
and turn on the power.
6. Vacuum investment until proper vacuum is achieved
(investment mixture should bubble, rise, and fall during
this step). This operation should take 90 seconds.
Please Note: The vacuum gauge should indicate full
vacuum in less than a minute. Investment in the bowl
will crest at this time and begin to release air bubbles.
The precise mercury reading indicating full vacuum
depends on your altitude. At sea level, full vacuum
occurs at 29"of mercury. For each 1000 feet of altitude,
the gauge registers approximately .9"less mercury (e.g.:
at 5000 feet altitude, full vacuum occurs at about 24.5".
To release the vacuum, move the toggle switch to the
CAST position, then turn the power off.
7. Remove mixing bowl and place flask(s) on the vacuum
table. Check that all flasks fit under the bell jar. Tip flask
slightly and pour investment along the inside of the
flask until your wax patterns are covered. Don’t pour the
investment directly over wax trees; this can damage wax
patterns and cause air bubbles to occur. Once patterns
are covered, set the flask on a level surface, and fill
with investment to 1/8"below the top of the flask. Use
a rubber flask extender to prevent investment overflow
during further vacuuming. Wipe the edge of the bell jar
with a clean sponge, and cover flask(s) with the bell jar.
8. Move toggle switch to invest position and turn power
on. Vacuum flasks for 90 seconds.
9. Move the switch to the cast position to release the
vacuum on the bell jar. Turn the power off. For maximum
mold strength, carefully remove flasks to a level surface
and allow flasks to sit for two hours before burnout.
Clean top ring of flask with a moistened sponge before
set up.
Maintenance Note:
After investing several flasks, it is normal for some moisture to collect in the vacuum pump oil. Overnight, or when the pump
is idle, the oil and water will separate and the water should be removed before the next use of the pump. To drain the water
from your vacuum pump, position your V.I.C. 9 at the edge of the work table, open the drain spout and let water run out (it
will be mixed with oil and appear foamy). When the oil runs clear, close the spout. Replace vacuum oil to the full oil level
mark as needed. Important: Never overfill the V.I.C. 9 with oil.
WARNING!
Investment contains a blend of crystalline silica. Prolonged inhalation of this product may be harmful. IARC reports that
there is sufficient evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of inhaled crystalline silica in forms of quartz or cristabolite
from occupational sources. Symptoms may not appear until permanent lung damage has occurred. Persons who use
this product should have periodic physical examinations for silica exposure. Work areas should be periodically tested to
determine the amount of airborne crystalline silica compared to OSHA and MSHA accepted standards.
ALWAYS wear NIOSH-approved breathing protection for crystalline silica dust when working with product or when
possible exposure to product dust exists. Users must comply with all applicable health and safety regulations relating to
the safe handling of crystalline silica. See MSDS for information.
California Prop 65 Warning: This product contains crystalline silica, a chemical known to the State of California to cause
cancer.

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V.I.C™9 Tabletop Casting Machine
Casting Torch-Melted Metal
•WARNING! Before your begin casting, read, understand
and follow all the safety precautions provided in this
handbook, starting on page 2.
Before Casting:
• The rim of the solid flask should be clean and free from
investment to allow for a proper seal against the casting
pad and to prevent loose investment from being pulled
into the pump.
• To protect the bell jar, place it on the bell jar stand away
from the casting area.
• For casting solid flasks, place the white casting pad on
the casting table plate; both must be free of dirt and
investment. Align the pad with the hole in the center of
the table.
Important Notes:
• When casting, be organized. Have your tools in place
and ready to use. Plan in advance the exact sequence
of events necessary to successfully complete your cast,
and make sure you have everything you need.
• Be sure to cast each flask as quickly as possible (within
5 minutes) after removing it from the oven to prevent
unnecessary heat loss.
•WARNING! Always wear appropriate safety glasses
to protect your eyes during any metal melting, casting and
quenching process.
Knowing how to determine the correct metal weight for each wax tree before you cast ensures that you melt the right
amount of metal for your cast, making your casting process more cost-effective and more reliable.
SPECIFIC GRAVITIES:
24KY = 19.32
18KY = 15.58
14KY = 13.07
10KY = 11.57
Fine silver = 10.49
Sterling = 10.36
Platinum = 21.54
Caster's brass chunks = 8.4
Caster's white bronze chunks = 8.1
Ancient bronze = 8.8
Yellow bronze = 8.4
Manganese bronze = 8.3
Nickel silver = 8.8
Alpaca = 8.6
PROCEDURE:
Step 1
First, weigh your wax models along with main and gate
sprues. Then add an additional 10% to account for your
button.
Step 2
Multiply that total by the specific gravity of the metal
you're casting (see table above for a general guideline).
Step 3
Example: For a 5-gram wax model, add 0.5 (10% of 5g) to
get a total wax weight of 5.5g. For a 14KY gold casting,
multiply 5.5g x 13.07 s.g. The amount of 14KY gold
needed for this tree is 71.89 grams.
How To Determine Metal Weight for Wax Trees

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V.I.C™9 Tabletop Casting Machine
Casting Steps
1. To season a new crucible, place a small amount of Matt’s
Casting Flux™ in a clean crucible. Heat flux to form a thin
glassy glaze inside the crucible. Repeat as necessary,
using a small quantity of Matt’s casting flux. Too much
will cause an excessive glassy slag buildup in the
crucible.
2. Make sure that any remelt metal used is very clean
and dry (free of oxides, investment, pickle residue
and moisture).
3. Place the proper amount of metal in the preheated
crucible for the pattern or patterns invested in the
mold.
4. Remove the flask from oven and place it on the
casting pad of the casting machine with sprue
opening up.
5. Turn the switch to “Cast” to test for a good vacuum seal
between the gasket and the flask, then switch to “Invest”
to turn the pump off. If a good vacuum is not achieved,
check to ensure that the rim of the flask is clean and free
from investment debris.
6. With a good reducing flame (mix is more gas than
oxygen), heat the metal. Use a flame large enough that
it will cover the whole melt.
7. When the metal starts to melt, switch to the “Cast”
position. Check the vacuum gauge to make sure the
vacuum has resealed.
8. Bring the metal to the desired casting temperature and
stir it with a carbon stirring rod through the flame of the
torch.
• Once the metal heating starts, do not remove the torch
from the melt for any reason. If exposed to air, hot or
molten metal will readily oxidize (bond with oxygen
from the atmosphere). Oxidation causes the formation
of copper and/or zinc oxides which have a very different
composition and appearance than original casting alloy.
We know these oxides as ‘firescale,’ and it is difficult or
impossible to remove after casting.
9. Use the torch to cover both the melt and the pour hole
in the crucible. Tip the crucible to pour the metal quickly
and smoothly into the sprue opening of the mold.
• To minimize firescale on your cast models, keep the
flame constantly on the molten metal as it is poured
into the flask. Stir the melt with a carbon stirring rod
before casting. Use the flame to protect the metal from
oxidizing as it is poured into the flask.
10. Play the torch flame on the end of sprue button until the
button solidifies.
11. Maintain a vacuum on the flask for 30–45 seconds while
the metal in the flask solidifies.
12. Release the vacuum by switching to the “Invest”
position, then remove the flask.
13. Let the flask stand on a heat-resistant surface until the
red color is completely gone from the button (you can
use an empty solid flask on the end of the mold flask to
create a dark enclosure above the sprue button that will
allow you to judge its color).
IMPORTANT: Do not leave flasks to cool on the casting
table as this will cause undue wear on the silicon casting
pad.
Casting with a Melting Furnace
If you will be using a melting furnace to melt your metal,
most of the steps will be the same.
1. The crucible in furnaces is usually graphite and will not
need to be seasoned.
2. Place the necessary amount of metal for the pattern
or patterns invested in the mold into the preheated
crucible.
3. Set the furnace and allow the metal to begin heating.
4. When the metal reaches casting temperature, remove
the flask from oven and place it on the casting pad of
the casting machine with sprue opening up.
5. Turn the switch to “Cast”to test for a good vacuum seal
between the gasket and the flask. If a good vacuum is
not achieved, check to ensure that the rim of the flask is
clean and free from investment debris.
6. Use tongs to lift the crucible (or simply tilt the furnace
if it has that feature) and pour the metal quickly and
smoothly into the sprue opening of the mold.
7. Maintain a vacuum on the flask for 30–45 seconds while
the metal in the flask solidifies.
8. Release the vacuum by switching to the “Invest”
position, then remove the flask.

page 7
Maintenance
The easy-open front of the V.I.C. 9 allows complete access to
all components for maintenance.
Changing the Vacuum Oil
Changing the vacuum oil prevents dirt and moisture from
clogging your machine. Completely change the oil once
every 30 hours of machine operation to keep your V.I.C. 9
at peak performance. Important: Never overfill the V.I.C. 9
with oil.
To Change the Vacuum Oil:
1. Position the V.I.C. 9 at the edge of the work table, so that
the drain spout extends just over the edge of the table.
2. Place a container (at least pint-size) under the drain
spout.
3. Remove the oil fill cap, then open the oil drain valve.
4. Allow oil to drain completely.
5. Close the oil drain valve.
6. Refill pump with fresh vacuum oil through the oil fill
port.
7. Check the oil level through the oil level sight gauge.
8. Replace the oil fill cap.
9. Dispose of used oil properly at an oil recycling facility.
Flushing the Vacuum Pump
Protect your vacuum pump from damage caused by internal
dirt. We recommend periodically flushing the vacuum oil
with Rio flushing oil (order #706-017) once every 90 hours of
machine operation.
IMPORTANT: Never attempt to cast with flushing oil in your
V.I.C. 9 caster. This lightweight cleaning oil will not provide
sufficient protection for your vacuum pump under actual
working pressures.
To Flush the Vacuum Pump:
1. Drain oil (steps 1–5 at left).
2. Fill machine 2/3 full with Rio flushing oil.
3. Turn machine on and run 3–4 minutes.
4. Drain flushing oil completely.
5. Refill with Rio vacuum oil (steps 6–8 above).
6. Dispose of used oil properly at an oil recycling facility.
Cleaning the Vacuum Chamber
Periodically (and after any flask blowout), clean any
accumulated investment and metal from the bottom
of the vacuum chamber.
1. Dislodge the mesh screen (order #705-168) from the
casting machine table and clean or replace it.
2. Open the front of the machine cabinet to access the
vacuum chamber.
3. Remove the black rubber cap from the bottom of the
vacuum chamber. You’ll find a soft ceramic-like high-
heat fiber pad inside the cap, or in the vacuum chamber.
Be careful not to damage this filter as you remove debris
and clean the chamber and cap. If the cap or fiber pad
are damaged, replace them.
4. Make sure the high-heat fiber pad is secure in the cap,
and replace the cap on the bottom of the vacuum
chamber.
Oil drain valve
Oil level
Sight
gauge
Drain spout
Oil fill port
Line to
casting/investing
tables
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V.I.C™9 Tabletop Casting Machine

page 8
800.545.6566 www.riogrande.com
V.I.C™9 Tabletop Casting Machine
Accessories
See our website or your catalog for more information and pricing on these supplies. Your catalog includes a handy order
number index that provides a page number reference for each order number.
Description Order #
The Assistant™ 705-140
Carbon stirring rods 705-120
Crucibles 704-046, 704-048, 704-049
Wax Web™ 702-200 to 702-203
Replacement Parts
Description Order # Description Order #
Bell jar, side-draw, 9" 702-155 Vacuum line filter 705-169
Casting pad 705-163 Casting table screen 705-168
Investing pad 705-165 Rio vacuum oil 706-020
High-heat fiber 705-181 Rio flushing oil 706-017
Rubber boot (vacuum chamber) 705-177
©2016 Rio Grande, Inc. All rights reserved.