Mold Making and Casting!

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

Dan will take students step-by-step through the entire mold-making and casting process. Everyone will have the opportunity to make molds during class. On the second day, students will learn to sprue and invest their new molded wax pieces 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.

Additional topics covered include how to properly cut open and vent molds in order to produce wax models, remove the sprues after casting, simple and quick finishing techniques, as well as an ongoing 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 how to utilize these techniques for jewelry making and small sculptures.

Participants should bring pieces that they have made in metal for vulcanized molding purposes, but wax models, tree branches, organics, and plastics are also welcome. These can be used as discussion material to develop the best strategy for casting those items in metal.

Scholarships for this class are available through the Metalwerx Course Scholarship Program! Apply here.