Level: All Skill Levels
Requirements: Basic Metalsmithing Skills
Program: Winter
Status: Open
Length: 3 Days
Tuition: $ 450
Materials: TBA
Date: February 17, 2012 - February 19, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Metalwerx

This course is designed to demystify the lost wax casting process. You will gain a clear understanding of what will work well and be cost effective in a production environment.

Students should bring pieces that they have made in metal for vulcanized molding purposes. You can also bring wax models, tree branches, organics, and plastics as discussion material to develop the best strategy for casting those items in metal. Each student will have the opportunity to make 2 molds during class.

Students will also learn to cut open and vent their molds in order to produce wax models. On the next day, students will learn to sprue and invest their models which will be cast on the final day of the workshop. Metals will be cast in deox sterling silver. Bronze may be cast if there is interest. Materials costs will be based on the amount of metal used by the student.

Other topics covered include removing the sprues after casting, simple and quick finishing techniques, as well as discussion of how to save time by designing wax models to incorporate findings, such as jump rings, ear posts, hinges, and catch location. Students will go home with molds and castings, and a better understanding of the entire process.

Materials & Tools

There is a materials fee of $25 plus the cost of the silver used. If students wish to make additional molds, there will be a small additional charge for the rubber (est. $5/mold). This fee is payable to the instructor at the class and covers mold making and casting supplies.

Students should bring:

• Small metal pieces to be molded (jewelry & small sculpture scale)
• Large items can be discussed and gone over if you wish to bring them along. The kilns are not big enough to cast large pieces. Please call us for specific dimensions.
• Wax models, tree branches, organics, and plastics, or any other pieces you have questions about as discussion material
• Notebook/pen for taking notes