Four Methods On Doing Lost Wax Casting Jewelry

By Stephen West


Lost wax casting is a type of process where in the sculpture of a duplicate metal is being casted from the original sculpture. Examples of these materials would include gold, bronze, silver, or brass. Depending on the skills of a sculptor, the intricate works may be achieved through this method. Today, the process has been varied from different foundries and the steps being utilized are standardized fairly, specifically for the bronze sculptures.

Jewelry casting is the process in making pieces of jewelry involving a liquid metal alloy being poured out into molding. This technique was being used even in history, but still is used widely used until now by most home crafters and craftsmen in making original pieces of jewelry. So if ever you are interested on making your own product, follow these simple methods for lost wax casting jewelry.

Crafting your molding. Begin on carving your preferred piece of hard modeling wax. You may choose your own shape. If possible, create only a very simple one, especially for beginners, and avoid those difficult ones. When you make your own model, some tools may be used such as a precision knife and a Dremel. Attach three to four sprues for providing channel for the waxes when these are melted.

Attach molding into a sprue base. This can be an important process so that the top of a wax will be allowed on melting at the bottom of base. Then after, leave this for few hours then put the flask on the sprue base top. When you do this, make sure to observe some distance in between the model and the flask wall, about quarter an inch.

Invest your molding. Secure the stand of wax model into the casting flasks bottom using a melted wax. Make sure that the model will be popped up into the flask. In this method, the product is now ready for casting. Mix all dry ingredients with water. Based on the instructions provided in your chosen mold investment, follow them carefully.

Place your mold investment inside a vacuum chamber in order for the air bubbles to be removed. If there is no vacuum sealer, you can just leave it for awhile like for ten to twenty minutes. Having air bubbles may result to having holes. When the mold is dry already, place the flask in kiln having 600 degrees Celsius. Then after, remove it then check for some obstructions in the bottom of your mold.

Cast the jewelry. Place the chosen metal into the pouring crucible and melt it in the foundry. The temperature and the time of melting will depend upon the type of metals. When the metal is poured to the molding, you may use a centrifugal machine for casting. This machine is often being used by the professional makers.

Allow first the metal for cooling for about 5 to 10 minutes and dunk it into a cold water slowly. The time will also depend upon the metal being melted. Gently tap your mold using a hammer so that the excess plaster will be broken.

Finishing the jewelry. Get the angle grinder and cut the sprue lines. Hand held grinders can be used as well for faster operations because these are much stronger. After doing the firing process, the material maybe dirty and dingy so better use metals specific washers when cleaning.




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