luxury casting… well, at least better than using a cut down 2×4

I picked up one of those fancy NOE pvc/wood “sprue whackers” last week–I think they are called a “mould mallet” in the shop.  I had a chance to cast with it for a few long casting sessions, about 12 hours total, and I have decided I really like it!  No more wood splinters everywhere (not that it was a huge deal).  But the biggest benefit I have seen is that the pvc shell or whatever you want to call it, really gives a good snap to the sprue cutter–much more so than a plain wood stick (or in my case, a cut down 2×4).  You don’t even have to whack too hard.  Not sure if any of you have tried it, but I would recommend it if you can.  I think they only cost around $18 or so.  When I used my NOE sprue whacker for the first time, I was reminded of when I used my first NOE mold instead of my Lee molds.  Not a “need” if you have a bunch of scrap wood to use as a whacker, but a nice little luxury item that only costs around $18.  Anyways, my 2 cents–great product that makes casting even more “luxurious” ha ha.