Lost Wax Casting

[Sandra]

I am curious if anyone here enjoys working with lost wax casting? I'm very intrigued by this. I have been toying around with Pmc just for fun and discovered I really enjoy carving and sculpting - but I want to continue with traditional jewellery making. It occurred to me perhaps wax casting might allow me to do both. But before I jump in and start spending £££ on new tools, books, etc. I thought I'd ask your thoughts!
Seeing this amazing bracelet created using lost wax casting is what sparked my interest:

[enigma]

Most people either send their waxes off to be cast or use Delft clay if they cast at home because of the set up cost.
I use Delft clay a lot although it does have its limitations.

[Goldsmith]

Sandra, check out Tiranti; http://www.tiranti.co.uk/index.php they sell most tools and waxes you need for starting working with waxes. If you are making rings and such like you can buy wax tubes from Kerrs waxes. When I have done wax modeling and carving I use Skopas wax and Super Skulpey. These are not for lost wax casting but the finished pieces were cast by the lost wax process. I made the wax casting patterns, the casting company make silicone molds from my patterns and then injects the casting wax into the silicone molds prior to doing the lost wax casting process. One major benefit of this method is that you then have a wax casting mold to repeat the process if you want other castings.

This was the last job I made using Skopas wax, I wanted a hollow stag so I modelled the wax onto copper body shapes that I made first.



I have also used Kerr's waxes for carving and filing into shapes for casting; http://www.kerrcasting.com/products-1/Waxes/carving-wax


James

[Dennis]

Yes doing a good job of carving is one thing. Setting up for High quality castings is something quite other.

Find a caster who will talk to you and who will return castings in tip top condition and you will have the ideal balance. Dennis.

[Sandra]

Thank you all. Goldsmith your info is really helpful, thanks so much. The wax is rather inexpensive so I believe I will give it a try and I like the idea of being able to create and reuse a mold. But yes the expense and challenge will be the casting process itself. Hopefully someone will allow a submission of just a few pieces to start with.
I feel like I've been flitting around for the past couple years trying one jewellery technique after another, one of these days I'll need to decide on one to focus on.

[Goldsmith]

I forgot to say that the stag was cast by Niagara Falls casters; http://www.nf-castings.co.uk/web2013/
The ring was cast by Just Castings; http://justcastings.co.uk/

James

[josef1]

I enjoy casting its good, I would recommend a great book by Murry Bovin that explains the complete process its an older book but very much relevant. It will give you an overview as to whats required. Not sure if Cooksons sell it ?

http://www.amazon.com/Centrifugal-Lo.../dp/B000MOLMGK

[Sandra]

Since writing this post I've booked myself on a weekend course for Lost Wax Casting at a studio in Kegworth. I'm looking forward to learning more about it.

[Dennis]

Lucky thing. Do report back. Regards, Dennis.

[Nick martin]

I enjoy casting its good, I would recommend a great book by Murry Bovin that explains the complete process its an older book but very much relevant. It will give you an overview as to whats required. Not sure if Cooksons sell it ?

http://www.amazon.com/Centrifugal-Lo.../dp/B000MOLMGK

I just bought that book last week on your recommendation off Amazon, and it is indeed an excellent read!

Nick