Post by 1dave on Sept 6, 2020 16:34:22 GMT -7
An extension of Casting.
For possibly the best way of doing Lost Wax Casting you will need a centrifuge and metal wash tub to keep gold from flying everywhere!
This is the way I learned from Bob Rollins in Orem Utah. You can buy wax patterns or make your own.
Next you need some white flour like material called "investment" made out of cristobalite (a high temperature form of quartz) to mix with water and cover the model. Here is an image of a commercial unit to hold the model during burn-out.
I just use scrap plumber's copper pipe to fill with cristobalite and my wax form.
I was taught to paint the wax with investment first to keep air bubbles away, THEN pour the investment.
You will need to purchase Crucibles to melt your metal in:
Place your mold in a furnace and bring it up to casting temperature. The wax will melt out (lost wax) leaving a cavity. At the same time melt your metal. Wind up your machine - two turns is enough on most of them - and pull up the holding pin. when all is hot and in place, tap the arm. The pin will fall and the machine spins, slinging the metal into the void.
It's all over but the clean-out.
For possibly the best way of doing Lost Wax Casting you will need a centrifuge and metal wash tub to keep gold from flying everywhere!
This is the way I learned from Bob Rollins in Orem Utah. You can buy wax patterns or make your own.
Next you need some white flour like material called "investment" made out of cristobalite (a high temperature form of quartz) to mix with water and cover the model. Here is an image of a commercial unit to hold the model during burn-out.
I just use scrap plumber's copper pipe to fill with cristobalite and my wax form.
I was taught to paint the wax with investment first to keep air bubbles away, THEN pour the investment.
You will need to purchase Crucibles to melt your metal in:
Place your mold in a furnace and bring it up to casting temperature. The wax will melt out (lost wax) leaving a cavity. At the same time melt your metal. Wind up your machine - two turns is enough on most of them - and pull up the holding pin. when all is hot and in place, tap the arm. The pin will fall and the machine spins, slinging the metal into the void.
It's all over but the clean-out.