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The most noticeable item in any DIY Casting is the furnace. This is no surprise really, because without the furnace the entire Casting operation would be nonexistent. The furnace can take really any size and form depending upon the need and budget of the metal caster. What really makes home metal casting furnaces really unique is how many of them come into creation.

Sure there are plenty of companies that will gladly sell furnaces for the hobby metal caster and while this can be a viable solution to your furnace needs many metal casters prefer another method.

Making your own furnace is not as far fetched as it may seem and if you already a Do It Yourselfer, chances are you will have the needed skills and tools in your workshop or garage already. There are a variety of reasons why people make their own furnaces. The most common reason is fulfilling a need.

Many hobbyist and metal workers find out, to their dismay, that the local commercial foundries can not make the needed part or if they do, they feel the need to charge an outrageous sum. Not to mention the fact that the traditional methods of metal casting is quickly becoming forgotten as the industry turns to electric furnaces. So many hobbyists find that constructing their own furnace is an absolute necessity and a great way to preserve a piece of craftsman history. The artisans who use metal casting to create sculptures and other pieces find that making their own furnace grants them a greater amount of control over the entire process. This is actually how many people get into metal casting to begin with.

Most likely, your first furnace is going to be a small and rather simple one. There is really no need to run before you can walk when it comes to something that will be using intense heat and melting iron which can be rather dangerous.

Home made furnaces have been constructed from coffee cans to trash cans or sheet metal welded together. While there are a few components that really should be bought like the retractor to line the furnace walls which should be resistant to high temperature for a prolonged period of time along with special connectors and regulators, most of the furnace can be created in your own home. You should be able to find most of the components that you can not make at hardware stores or plumbing supply stores for relatively cheap.

Along with the furnace parts you will also need to buy a crucible which will hold the metal as it melts along with the appropriate tools that you will use to handle the crucible. While you are at it you might as well buy all the safety equipment like gloves, protective eye wear, and leather shoes. There is other safety equipment that you will need depending on the type of work and the type of furnace you are going to make.

Most likely, your first furnace is going to be a simple cupola variation. The cupola furnace which is going to resemble a smoke stack is a simple design and is relatively easy to make for anyone with mild craft skill. This type of furnace will not require a crucible since you will be able to pour the molten metal from the furnace itself into a ladle that can then be poured into the mold.

DIY casting furnaces are a great way to connect yourself with your metal casting work giving you more control. While building the furnace can be complicated at first, once you delve into it you will find the experience enjoyable and fascinating.

Metal Casting Zone is the new website that is all about Metal Casting and building a Metal Casting Community of members. Right now there is a free offer for new members when you sign up you will recieve a free ebook on Metal Casting Basics. Visit Metal Casting Zone today to get your free ebook on Metal Casting.

Metal Casters have the luxury of choosing between several casting methods to accomplish their goals. Often times the metal caster chooses one method and sticks with it for several years until need directs him to another. Of course, there are those adventurous few who like to sample each casting method to find the best fit. Sure, sand casting might be the most popular but what about Lost Foam or Investment?

What about Die casting?

Die casting is used by industrial foundries and manufacturers to create practically anything and everything, such as die cast cars. Many small foundries, like the one in your garage, backyard, of workshop may find that die casting is really just not economical. But who said that having fun and trying new things was ever economical? The process of Die Casting involves a simple concept. The molten metal is injected with high pressure into the mold or mold cavities. The mold used in die casting can have several small civilities of either the same pattern or different pattern.

The name Die Casting comes from the molds which are called dies. These molds are reusable and are often made from steel but other alloys can be used as long as they can withstand high pressure. The reason dies must be created from metal and not from sand or other material is due to the high amount of pressure used to get the molten metal into the mold. If sand molds were used in a Die casting procedure then the mold would crumble. There are plenty of advantages of using dies in a casting procedure which makes this method desirable for anyone wishing to create a high volume of similar castings.

Die Casting is perfect for anyone that needs to make a lot of the same thing without any quality or pattern deviation. This is especially helpful in certain industries where quantity and quality count. Many hobbyists may have no use for die casting on a practical basis but will often try at least one Die casting for the sake of trying.

There are two types of machines used in the Die Cast procedure. These machines are essentially the same and are called the Hot-chamber and the Cold-chamber.

The Hot-chamber machine melts the alloy and feeds it into a section of the machine referred to as the gooseneck. A piston then forces the alloy into the mold. A separate furnace is not needed but the draw back of this is that metals with higher melting points can not be used.

The Cold-chamber is used for metals that can not be used by the Hot-chamber such as aluminum and copper. A separate furnace is needed to melt the alloy which is then poured into the injection cylinder and then shot into the mold.

The advantages of using Die DIY Casting vary but the most noticeable advantages are the repeated quality, smooth casting surface, and the quick production of casts. While the initial cost of Die Casting exceeds several of the other casting procedures, those that need a high number of casts in the shortest amount of time possibly will benefit greatly from the investment.

Die casting is commonly used to create commercial goods as it yields a high volume. The molds, or dies, used vary in life cycle depending upon the material used to create the die. The die can have one cavity or several cavities depending upon the need.

Everyone should try die casting at least once if they can afford the initial cost. Besides, who knows when you’ll need a small battalion of metal soldiers which can be made quickly and easily with die casting.

Metal Casting Zone is the new website that is all about Metal Casting and building a Metal Casting Community of members. Right now there is a free offer for new members when you sign up you will recieve a free ebook on Metal Casting Basics. Visit Metal Casting Zone today to get your free ebook on Metal Casting.

Cupola are the easiest and most economical furnace to work with for the small foundry owner. Hobby metal casters are always on a look out for a cheaper alternative which will provide safety and yield quality results and the cupola furnace delivers all this.

The common appearance of a cupola furnace is that of a smokestack. The furnace can be of nearly any size which is perfect for backyard metal casters. Commonly, the cupola furnace is supported on four legs with a drop bottom to remove any waste from the furnace. This type of furnace does not use a crucible so the metal caster will place the metal to be melted inside of the furnace. The furnace is fitted with a sprout and runner to pour the molten material which is called a taphole. Sometimes cupolas are fitted with a way for slag to be removed. The slag tapholes are located near the back of the cupola a little higher then the other taphole. The refractory used in cupolas are usually brick with the bottom being clay and sand as this is just temporary anyways.

Cupola casting usually involves working with iron and bronze, though other alloys like aluminum can be melted as well.

The common fuel source for cupolas is coke with limestone acting as a flux. Air can be pumped in to increase the burning of the coke. When the coke is hot enough the alloy is introduced in the top of the cupola. Some will place the alloy then fresh coke and then more alloy. The molten alloy will drip through the coke to collect in the well near the taphole. When the level of the molten alloy is high enough, the taphole is opened and then alloy runs into a ladle. When enough has poured the taphole is closed with the use of a refractory plug. Remember, cupola casting does not involve a crucible.

Crucibles are traditionally used to melt the alloy and the collect it in the molten state. With the use of tongs the crucible is carried to the mold and poured. The ladle takes the place of the crucible in this regard. The metal caster pours the molten alloy which is in the ladle into the mold. The most common metal casting process is Sand casting which lends itself well with cupola furnaces.

Cupola furnaces can either be purchased or constructed. Many hobby Casting prefer to construct their own cupolas finding it difficult to find a furnace to fit their size requirements or their budget. Cupolas have been made from coffee cans large pipes and really just matters on what materials the caster is able to procure. By making your own furnace you will be able to customize it. Many will need a furnace to be small and portable. No one wants to leave a furnace out in the rain, after all. The chances are pretty good that if you are into metal casting then you have some of the technical knowledge needed to make your own cupola furnace. If not, then it is worth a shot just be extremely careful. You may want to find someone in your community that can aid you in your endeavor.

Metal Casting Zone is the new website that is all about Metal Casting and building a Metal Casting Community of members. Right now there is a free offer for new members when you sign up you will recieve a free ebook on Metal Casting Basics. Visit Metal Casting Zone today to get your free ebook on Metal Casting.

Casting Wax is an ancient technique that has been used to create very complicated metal castings and involved pieces that would other wise be impossible either because of economic reasons or manufacturing reasons. Everyone from small jewelers to large industrial foundries can use Lost Wax Casting. This process is also called Investment Casting when it is used in commercial industries. While jewelry makers are the primary ones to use the Lost Wax Casting, many others use it to achieve a number aims and goals.

Lost Wax Casting is the ideal and preferred method for artists who are interested in making items like sculptures or rings from a variety of alloys like bronze, steel, or copper. This process is quite involved but not all that complex as long as you have some kind of metal casting know-how. For anyone wanting to experiment with different casting methods Lost Wax Casting is a great option because it involves a few materials and methods that are not normally found in other methods like Sand Casting.

The most noticeable difference of Lost Wax Casting from other castings is exactly what’s in the name; the wax. To use Lost Wax Casting you do not necessarily have to be an artists but some skill in sculpting might be nice. You are going to start off by creating a sculpture from wax that will be the original.

You will then create a mold of the original. The mold is usually created from plaster with latex lining to help preserve the details of the original. If this is your first attempt at Lost Wax Casting you may want to make an original without a lot of detail just to get the feel for the entire process and so you do not become discouraged if something does not work out. Remember metal casting is a skill that must be learned by research, trial, and error. Chances are that you will not be completely successful, the first time around. The original piece is usually lost after the construction of the mold. This is normal and if you do want to prevent this from happening you can create the original from material other then wax like a metal alloy.

When the mold is ready you are then going to pour molten wax, you’re not ready for metal just yet, into the mold. The amount of wax needed for this step depends on the desired thickness. Once the copy is ready, you are going to remove it very carefully from the mold. You will remove any of the impurities from the copy. This is called chasing.

You will then sprue the copy. Spruing is the act of carefully placing paths that will let the molten metal in and air out. Afterwards, a ceramic shell is created around the copy. The shell isn’t really ceramic but a combination of liquid silica and sand. Traditionally, and in some areas still, animal dung and dirt is used to create the shell. The choice of which shell material you want to use is up to you. The shell is hardened in the kiln and the wax melts out. If you want to reuse the wax then collect it during this step. Wax can be reused a number of times and if you are on a budget or are just trying out different designs and methods, collecting the wax is encouraged. Once the wax is gone and all that remains is the hollow shell you will want to run water through it to make sure there are no leaks. If there are then you will need to patch them before pouring the molten metal.

You are going to want to reheat the shell before pouring the metal to avoid shattering the shell. The shell is still on the sprue tree so pouring the metal is an easy process. When the metal has hardened, then break the shell carefully and remove the cast. Afterwards, it is up to you to finish the piece to your liking and preference.

The Lost Wax DIY Casting process is an enjoyable experience but it does use a few tools that you might need to purchase before hand, like the wax and spruing tree. At the very least, you might want to try Lost Wax Casting once or twice to get a feel for it. This way you have another casting process at your disposal.

Metal Casting Zone is the new website that is all about Metal Casting and building a Metal Casting Community of members. Right now there is a free offer for new members when you sign up you will recieve a free ebook on Metal Casting Basics. Visit Metal Casting Zone today to get your free ebook on Metal Casting.

Casting provides the hobbyist with a great way to create personalized parts and pieces that may otherwise be unattainable or far too expensive. Casting is an ancient art that is still is use to this day by major industries to artists to those with backyard foundries. This skill is a valuable one that promises to provide the hobbyist with a rewarding past time. Most hobbyists begin their casting careers with a modest sized furnace to fit their most basic needs. Within a few months, the hobbyist might find that the furnace has grown and that they are casting at every chance that comes along. Don’t worry, this is completely natural.

To say that metal casting is addictive is an understatement. Metal casting provides a way for an idea to materialize through molten metal. This is perhaps one of the greatest parts of the entire metal casting process like seeing what was once just sketches solidify from liquid iron, or whatever metal is used. All the metal caster needs is an idea and red hot liquid metal.

The furnace is the pride and joy for the metal caster. Most will construct their own furnace tweaking the design here and there to better suit their needs. Many home foundries are based on home made furnaces and if constructed correctly can prove to be highly effective. The crucial part of the furnace is the furnace torch. The torch brings the heat, incredibly high heat, and without it that chunk of metal would just sit in the crucible and never see life as something new and exciting. Except as a paper weight; a very ugly paper weight.

When searching for an appropriate Casting Torches the hobbyist will need to take several things into consideration. The size of the furnace, and what metals you plan to use are chief among the considerations. Many casters will use a torch that uses propane gas as it provides enough pressure and heat to melt most metals. If the hobbyist plans to use natural gas like the kind that is provide in households they may find that the pressure is just not enough and the desired temperatures will not be reached. The same is true for Butane. While natural gas and Butane can be used, propane seems to yield the best results. Oxyacetylene torches are a favorite with many casters especially for casting iron.

Price is yet another consideration. While it may be possible to rig a casting furnace it is not always advisable. Torches can range in price from $40 to several hundreds of dollars depending upon the size, the use, and accessories.

Many jewelers are able to use small independent casting torches but when dealing with metal casting in furnaces you will need to use a torch that can be mounted and used in such a fashion. Many think that just because you need a furnace torch you are going to need a large furnace. This is simply not true. A small furnace and furnace torch can produce enough heat to melt aluminum, iron, and a number of other metals. One of the furnaces functions is to help the flame reach optimum temperature and in the case of Reverberatory Furnaces, a furnace torch is an absolute requirement.

Casting torches can be found in some hobby shops and in hardware stores. Several online shops also sell torches for the hobby metal caster. When buying a torch hobbyist should shop around in order to find the best deal. Always use caution when dealing with a furnace torch.

Metal Casting Zone is the new website that is all about Metal Casting and building a Metal Casting Community of members. Right now there is a free offer for new members when you sign up you will recieve a free ebook on Metal Casting Basics. Visit Metal Casting Zone today to get your free ebook on Metal Casting.

Casting is a useful skill that has its roots in antiquity. Weapons and sculptures were traditionally created using this method but as the DIY movement gained momentum many modern day casters have found a use for metal casting to make plumbing fixtures, door knobs, and many other items. Today, small foundries can be found in many backyards, garages, and workshops.

In order to make a casting of metal, you will need a furnace capable of melting metal alloys at high temperatures. Usually, individual metal casters will construct their own furnace. There are companies that will sell small scale furnaces but they are often costly. The most common type of casting is called Sand Casting which uses sand or green sand to make the molds where the molten metal will be poured into to form the finished product. The mold is a handmade item placed in a flask which has two parts, a cope and drag. The mold is usually made of sand, but can also be created using other ingredients like latex or even metal. It is in the mold that you will set the pattern to form the mold cavity.

The mold cavity will be an impression of the pattern including the fine details which will then be filled with the molten alloy. Pattern casting is an art form in itself, really, but anyone can create a pattern even if you have no artistic skill what so ever. The pattern is an original which will be cast into metal. Common pattern castings include complex engine parts for models, replicas of Civil War era weapons, sculptures, and even jewelry.

The Casting Form can be made of any material like clay, wood, and wax. The pattern material really depends on a few factors like the casting method and the availability of the material. If you are able to carve wood then you can use this skill to make patterns. There are some casting methods that call for the patterns to be made of certain materials. An example of this is the Lost Wax Casting Method which will use wax as the pattern.

When creating the mold, you will place the original into the drag of the flask and place more molding material on top forming the cope. When the mold is dry you will carefully remove the pattern revealing an impression in the mold.

If you are creating your own pattern you will need to make it with Contraction allowances in mind. This contraction allowance will compensate for the shrinkage that occurs in many casting processes. In order to take out the pattern without disturbing the mold, draft allowances need to be considered as well. The pattern should have tapered edges to allow for easy removal.

Many who make their own patterns will add sprues, gates, and risers to the pattern so that when castled these items will already be in the mold. These devices will allow the molten metal to find its way into the mold cavity.

If you find it difficult to make your own patterns then you can pay for pattern making services; although many casters in the same situation will just learn how to make patterns to save money. Pattern casting is a valuable skill to have and can be learned rather easily.

Metal Casting Zone is the new website that is all about Metal Casting and building a Metal Casting Community of members. Right now there is a free offer for new members when you sign up you will recieve a free ebook on Metal Casting Basics. Visit Metal Casting Zone today to get your free ebook on Metal Casting.

In DIY Casting, the type of furnace you have at your foundry, or workshop determines a lot of the work you can or can not do. Many metal casters enjoy making their own furnaces and have done so quite successfully. The plans for home made furnaces are eagerly shared among the enthusiasts so finding blueprints and instructions should not be difficult. But before you rush off to find the blueprints you may want to take time to learn about the types of casting furnaces available to help determine which one will suit your needs. This is not saying that you should only have one furnace at any given time, but this way you will know what project will work best for which furnace.

Cupola

Cupola Furnae are among the most popular with backyard foundries. Many casters construct their own cupola which proves to be cost effective and highly efficient if done properly. Since cupola furnaces can achieve high melting temperatures they are primarily used for the melting of iron and bronze, though aluminum can also be melted when attention is paid to keeping the temperature low. The primary fuel source for cupola furnaces are coke using limestone for flux.

By not using a crucible, the Cupola furnace is able to melt the metal at a faster rate. While individual designs of these furnaces differ due to varying resources and design ideas, the basic component of a cupola furnace is the same. The cupola furnace must be elevated above the ground and installed with a drop bottom usually hinged, which will allow the excess metal, fuel source, and other waste to drop from the furnace. The tap hole and shaft which will allow the molten metal to flow from the furnace and into the ladle and air shafts are also required. A slag tap hole can be placed on the furnace usually in the back, higher then the tap hole, which will allow the slag to flow out easily.

With most small home foundries, the cupola furnaces are preferred over that of other furnaces for its high melting rates and for how easily the construction of such a furnace can be.

Reverberatory

The Reverberatory Furnaces are commonly found in industrial plants but there have been quite a number of home grown foundries that have used this furnace type with much success. The basic idea of a Reverbeatory Furnace is to use the heat reflecting off a surface, usually brick, to heat the metal, which is aluminum in most cases. This way, the metal does not come into contact with the fuel or the flame. This process is also used in Puddling Furnaces. The name Reverberatory and Puddling are often used interchangeably. By placing the metal in a shallow depression and then directing an intense flame over that depression and to the wall, the heat rebounds to melt the metal. Many casters will adjust the length of the flame since a longer path will mean that the heat will be more intense.

There are many designs for the reverberatory furnace, all of which will include exhaust ports and the rear of the furnace must be able to withstand the intense heat and be able to bounce it back into the chamber.

Bronze, aluminum, tin, and many other ores can be melted in a reverberatory furnace all depending on the construction of the actual furnace and the heat of the flame. This type of furnace has been around since at least the Middle Ages and was used primarily for bronze work.

Electric Arc

Electric Arc furnaces are normally used in Industrial foundries. Most hobby casters do not use these furnaces due to cost, space issues, and a general inconvenience. There are two forms of the electric arc furnace, the direct and indirect.

The direct arc has three electrodes which are used to heat metal by way of the arc. This creates an incredible amount of heat and so water jackets and other cooling devices will be needed for operation.

The indirect arc just uses one electrode and works in much the same way as the direct arc furnace.

Electric Induction

Electric Induction furnaces are becoming all the more popular with large industrial size foundries that enjoy the clean burning and efficiency of an electrical furnace. Copper coils surround the crucible with the metal inside which can reach extremely high temperature suitable for melting most metals.

Rotary

The Rotary style furnaces are hailed for their ease of use being fully or at the very least partially automatic. These furnaces tend to be harder to construct though there are resources and companies online that sell rotary furnace.

The different furnace types do affect the quality of the work being produced, so it is important to keep that in mind as you cast. With a little trial and error, you should find the perfect furnace to fit your needs so you can start building one of your very own.

Metal Casting Zone is the new website that is all about Metal Casting and building a Metal Casting Community of members. Right now there is a free offer for new members when you sign up you will recieve a free ebook on Metal Casting Basics. Visit Metal Casting Zone today to get your free ebook on Metal Casting.

A Casting Pattern is basically a shaped form of either metal or wood where sand is packed around it in the mold. When this pattern is removed, the resulting cavity would be exactly the shape of the pattern object that was to be cast. The casting pattern should however be designed in order to be easily removed without any damage done to the mold. The pattern should be also be perfectly dimensioned and should be very durable for the intended use. The patterns that are used in sand casting can be made of plastic, metal, wood or any other material. The casting patterns are made to the right standards of construction this is basically because they can last for a reasonable time. The durability of the pattern would however depend according to the quality of grade in the casting pattern. If the pattern is made of right quality then they would be constantly providing dimensionally perfect casting patterns.

The process: The process of making DIY Casting patterns is actually called as pattern making which is in fact a skilled trade which is related to the trades of die and tool making and mold making. However this also sometimes incorporates the elements of fine wood making. The makers of casting patterns basically learn their pattern making skills through trade schools and apprenticeships over a number of years of experience. There is also an engineer who a few times helps in making the casting patterns but in fact it is the pattern maker who carries out the design.

Design: The casting patterns incorporate proper allowances for the shrinkage and this process is called as contraction allowance. Their accurate values however depend on the alloys that are being used and the accurate sand casting methods that is used. There are a few alloys that have the overall linear shrinkage of nearly 2.5 percent as other alloys might actually experience 0 percent shrinkage or even a light positive shrinkage or it might also increase the size in the casting process. The amount of the shrinkage is also dependant on the sand casting process that is employed for instance chemical bonded sands, clay bonded sands or other bonding materials.

The casting patterns should also include proper allowance for the draft. This means that the sides would be tapered so that when it would be taken out from the sand it will not tend to drag out sand of place along with it. This process is also called as taper that is normally done in the range of one to three degrees. The foundry engineers or the pattern maker of the casting patterns actually decide where the gating systems, risers and the sprues are places in terms of casting patterns. In this pattern a hole is desired in the casting pattern that uses a core which defines the location and volume of in the casting where the metal would not flow into. Chills are also used sometimes located on the casting patterns surface and these are then formed into sand molds. These casting patterns however continue to be a vital requirement for sand casting of metal.

Metal Casting Zone is the new website that is all about Metal Casting and building a Metal Casting Community of members. Right now there is a free offer for new members when you sign up you will recieve a free ebook on Metal Casting Basics. Visit Metal Casting Zone today to get your free ebook on Metal Casting.

Metal Casting Supplies can run the gamut of cheap to expensive. Home foundries tend to use supplies that are not too costly or that can be found close at hand. After all, home metal casting is usually a hobby and many get into this hobby since they need a cheaper source of parts and pieces that are either far too expensive or just impossible to find. This reason is actually what draws many people to metal casting in the first place. Given this, metal casting supplies used in smaller backyard foundries are generally cheap and made of items that are available in the garage or can be found at home improvement stores. There are several online resources and stores that offer supplies specially made for metal casting and if you have the money and are unable to create your own, it is encouraged that you purchase already made supplies.

The metal casting supplies you will need ultimately depend upon the type of work you plan to do. If you plan to use lost foam casting you will not need any wax and in that same thought you won’t need any foam if you are going to use lost wax casting. The furnace type is also a consideration. Cupola furnaces do not use crucibles. A crucible is where you place the metal which will then pool and collect inside. So it is important to decide what kind of casting process and what kind of furnace that will be used before you rush out to buy supplies.

As for the supplies this will include the fuel source. Fuels sources can range from wood to propane. Metals with a higher melting point will need propane while wood can be used to melt pewter and possibly aluminum. Most home foundries will use propane since it produces a high temperature and is easily available.

Many of the DIY Casting processes use sand as a way to create molds and help secure those molds during the pouring. The type of sand used does not have to necessarily be specially formulated. Sand has been used in casting since ancient times so it only makes sense that most sand types can be used. Many hobbyists will even use playground sand to meet their needs. Now, there is a special type of sand used in casting called green sand. Green sand packs well and is able to hold its shape far better then common sand. For processes like lost wax you will need to find a healthy supply of wax since many of the steps involve the creation of wax models and molds. The good thing about this process is that the wax can be reused time and time again. Supplies for lost foam can be found in home improvement stores since foam insulation is suitable to use. You will not be able to reuse the foam but luckily, the foam is cheap.

Perhaps the most important casting supply is the metal itself. The metal used in casting varies due to need. Aluminum is a common alloy used in casting for a number of reasons, chief among them is availability. Aluminum soda cans are crushed and melted and proves to a good source of the metal. Many casters will find scrap metal in junk yards which tend to be a good source for brass, bronze, and iron. There are places to buy metals in ingots if you want a purer metal to work with.

Metal casting supplies often dictate what the caster can and can not do. Keep this in mind as you plan your next project as adjustments might be needed to your plan.

Metal Casting Zone is the new website that is all about Metal Casting and building a Metal Casting Community of members. Right now there is a free offer for new members when you sign up you will recieve a free ebook on Metal Casting Basics. Visit Metal Casting Zone today to get your free ebook on Metal Casting.

Jewelry Casting is an ancient skill that has been around for as long as there has been jewelry in the world. The Ancient Egyptians are usually credited with perfecting the process but casting jewelry was also practiced by meso American societies and cultures located in Asia and the Middle East. The casting process is called Lost-wax and is still very popular with craftsmen who enjoy making hand made jewelry.

By the name of the process, one can guess that wax is involved of which will be lost. While the Lost-wax process is mainly used for the casting of rings and bracelets, other items such as sculptures can also be created. Investment casting is another name of this casting jewelry method and both are acceptable terms it just depends on the speaker’s preference.

The Lost-wax DIY Casting process has many benefits. When making jewelry this way, the caster will be able to make identical pieces quickly and efficiently.

There are several companies and individuals willing to cast the piece for you for a price. Many of these companies may overcharge, the cost of commerce, so if you have the resources and ability you might be better of casting your own jewelry.

Lost-wax casting involves a number of steps. If followed properly and with precision the artist will find the process enjoyable. Before you begin, you will need to come up with an idea for the piece of jewelry. Generally, the sculpture of the piece is created using wax though some prefer having a metal master copy in case of mistakes. You are going to create the mold using the original. The molds used for casting jewelry allow a great amount of detail. When the mold is finished, you are going to fill it with wax to create a wax copy which will then be coated with sand and silica. This ceramic shell will then be heated so that the wax is melted out. The wax can be reused so make sure to safely collect it during this step. The ceramic copy will be hollow and you will have to test it for holes before pouring the molten metal. Afterwards, you will lightly hammer the ceramic shell away to reveal the finished product.

The end result of the Lost-wax process is usually very detailed and exact creating a beautiful piece.

Casting jewelry can be a profitable business depending upon your skill level and creativity. This skill is diminishing as the jewelry companies switch to computerized and automatic means of creating their pieces. While this move is smart for the jewelry business as it reduces the production cost, the end result lacks a certain desirable element that hand made jewelry posses.

Casters will be able to use the mold created during the Lost-wax process a few times before a new mold has to be made. Extra care and attention has to be paid to polishing any imperfections or patching any variants during the casting process. Several things can go wrong during casting especially when you remove the mold so take care to be extra careful and attentive during this time.

Casting jewelry is a valuable skill to master and if you plan on making any money from your home foundry, this is a good place to start.

Metal Casting Zone is the new website that is all about Metal Casting and building a Metal Casting Community of members. Right now there is a free offer for new members when you sign up you will recieve a free ebook on Metal Casting Basics. Visit Metal Casting Zone today to get your free ebook on Metal Casting.