Level: All Skill Levels
Requirements: None
Program: Spring
Status: Closed
Length: 9 Sessions
Tuition: $ 350
Materials: $ 50
Date: April 16, 2008 - June 18, 2008
Time: Every Wednesday at 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Metalwerx

Casting and wax working techniques can save you time and add new dimension to your artwork. Making wax models allows you create complex curves, surfaces, and textures that would be difficult and time consuming to execute in sheet metal.

Students will see wax models transformed to fully finished, one-of-a-kind pieces of silver and bronze jewelry. Skills taught include how to carve and create wax models using an alcohol lamp and simple hand tools as well as motorized flex shaft attachments. Once models are ready to cast, students will learn to sprue, invest, set up a burnout, pour molten metal, and finishing techniques to complete their projects. Casting methods will consist of cuttlebone and the lost wax process. Time permitting students can investigate water and broom castings too.

Wax working can easily be done in the comfort of your own home. Because of this, we will discuss contract casting. Mold-making will also be discussed if time permits. 

This class is 9 sessions long. Each session is 2.5 hours. There will be no class on May 14, 2008.

Materials & Tools

Students Should Bring:

• X-acto Knife
• Old Nylons (not ones you are planning to wear again)
• Old Toothbrush (not to be re-used)
• dental tools (If you have any)
• Multiple grits of sandpaper for casting clean-up (320, 400, 600)
• Wood Rasp (available at Home Depot $6 - 8)
• Sanding Sponge (available at Home Depot; 220 or 320 grit)